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Greetings!
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 New Office of the Bishop to be powered by 84 solar panels The Mission Investment Fund loan is in place to fund the project, architectural drawings are being finalized for the renovation and construction, and the contract for a rooftop array of 84 solar panels has been signed for a 21kW system. Read a "letter to the editor" by Pastor Jeff Louden, Taylorsville, UT, inviting us to love the world and calling us to action.
Groundbreaking took place last Wednesday for this exciting project, which is expected to be completed in the Spring. We will keep you updated as the project continues. View photos of the Groundbreaking on the RMS Facebook page. View a summary video above.
3 Reflections on Madagascar Journey
Bishop Gonia has written a blog sharing three learnings from his journey to Madagascar. Read his new blog now.
Assembly Cross Video Story
 | | Be the Piece: Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge, CO |
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PRAYERS
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Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
August 11, 2013
Almighty God, you sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your church. Open our hearts to the riches of your grace, that we may be ready to receive you wherever you appear, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
North Colorado 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:
8/11
Immanuel, Greeley, CO
Jose (Abe) Gonzales
King of Kings, Loveland, CO
Susan Candea
Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Fort Morgan, CO
Jim Engel
Our Savior's, Greeley, CO
John Knutson, Korra Looschen Prayers Madagascar and for the world
The al-Qaeda threat in Africa and the Middle East continues to impact Madagascar. President Modeste was scheduled for his visa interview this week in order to be able to attend the ELCA Churchwide Assembly next week, but the embassy was shut on Sunday and will remain closed through Saturday. Barbara Hinderlie continues to work to try to find an alternative. There is also a US State Department travel advisory for all US citizens, and the focus this morning is increasingly zeroing in on Yemen as a possible site for attack this week. Please pray for all our sisters and brothers affected by these developments.
Dirk Robert Stadtlander to be installed
King of Kings, Pueblo, CO
The Rev. Dirk Robert Stadtlander has been called to serve as the pastor of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Pueblo, CO, and he will be installed on Sunday, August 18, at 3 p.m. by Bishop Jim Gonia.
Pastor Stadtlander has recently returned from serving as an ELCA missionary in Se negal with his wife, Sarah, and two daughters. He served as a parish pastor to a Pulaar-speaking congregation, facilitated interfaith immersion programs bringing ELCA members to Senegal to experience life in peaceful harmony within a country where 92% of the population adhere to Islam, and accompanied various development programs with many receiving funding from ELCA World Hunger.
The strong relationships that Dirk and Sarah and their daughters developed with colleagues, Muslim neighbors and friends, brothers and sisters in the Christian communities, Peace Corps volunteers, and local authorities is witness to the joy with which their family served in Senegal. They are very excited about this new call to serve with the people of King of Kings.
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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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LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY
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 | | 3 Reasons Why You Should Connect with Lutheran Campus Ministry |
Send campus ministry leaders the names of your new college students!
If you could provide LCM with the contact information of students who will be attending college in the fall (especially CSU, CU, UNM-CNM, UNC, Wyoming, and Utah State), each student will receive a simple invitation to check out one of our ministries.
Please send names and contact information to Karen Nelson at lcmoffice@colorado.edu to connect your students with LCM!
Thank you for helping to keep your young people connected!
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TO THE POINT
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RMS MALARIA CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Our newest total for the Malaria Campaign is $255,523.50! That is spectacular! Thanks you!
NEW DISASTER RESPONSE BLOG:
NEW HOME, NEW HOPE
After the Joplin, MO, tornado tore through their home, the McGuirk family is now at their new home. The 4-bedroom house newly built by Habitat for Humanity and partially funded by Lutheran Disaster Response is beautiful, inviting and filled with warmth. It's a story of hope.
ANYONE INTERESTED IN A RAINBOW TRAIL REUNION FOR CAMPERS AND COUNSELORS FROM THE 1960's?
My name is Jim Speckmann and I am a member at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit. I am trying to determine if there is any interest in a reunion at RTLC for the campers and counselors from the 1960's!. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact me at jspeckmann@comcast.net. My phone number is 303-722-8957
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. MDT 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.
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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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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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New Job Posts!
read complete job listing details online
Director of Youth and Family Ministry
Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Denver, CO
This is a part-time position at 10-14 hours per week. The position will be responsible for directing the planning, scheduling, and development of OSL's Youth and Family Ministry. OSL is a Reconciling in Christ community that expresses its Christian faith through a strong commitment to community service and social justice.
Director of Music
Christ Lutheran Church, Highlands Ranch, CO
This position includes leadership in a staff team atmosphere for all services directing choirs and hand bells of (majestic) traditional music, ensembles, and instrumental groups of (celebrational) contemporary music. Also included in this position is the recruitment, training and scheduling of audio/visual technicians and others involved in worship support.
Director of Major and Planned Gifts
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains
Denver, CO
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains is seeking a qualified Director of Major and Planned Gifts. This position manages the process of implementing an action plan to identify, cultivate and solicit individual gifts both current and future from a major gift pool of prospects in the geographical areas that encompass Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains.
Director of Adult Ministries
Evergreen Lutheran Church, Evergreen, CO
seeking both rostered (DM, AIM, Deaconess) and lay candidates
The congregation of ELC, the strong and caring staff and Senior Pastor are hoping to find someone who will work part/half time with them in the following areas: coordinating Adult Education, supporting the Stephen Ministry Program and her trained leaders, developing, along with Lay Leaders, a vibrant Senior's ministry, assisting the Sr. Pastor with visitation and pastoral care, and most importantly, sharing the love of Jesus.
Minister of Children & Families
St. Philip Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO
St. Philip Lutheran Church is excited to be expanding its staff to include a part-time position (15-20 hours per week) of Minister of Children and Families. We are looking for someone who has a passion for ministering to children and their families!
read complete job listing details online
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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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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Spiritual Retreat
- Christ, Cheyenne, WY
- Portico Seminar
- Joy, Parker, CO
- Lutheran Disaster Response Meeting
- Healthy Leaders
- Churchwide Assembly, Pittsburgh, PA
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Portico Seminar
- Lutheran Disaster Response Meeting
- Vacation
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Faith, Eaton, CO
- Portico Seminar
- Faith Formation Network
- Joy, Parker, CO
- Confirmation Retreat, Sky Ranch
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Portico Seminar
- Christ, Cheyenne, WY
- Latino Mission Developer Training, Chicago, IL
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Portico Seminar
- Growing Home Ministry
- Communications and Administration
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- Lutheran Disaster Response Meeting
- All Families Deserve a Chance Coalition
- Poverty Conference, Grand Junction, CO
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- Housing & Homelessness
- St. Timothy, Albuquerque, NM
- Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee
- Minimum Wage Coalition
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
The Holy Land: The faces of young - and very young - graduates
ELCA missionary Danae Hudson, communications director for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, attended the graduation ceremonies of kindergartners in Bethlehem and Lutheran high school students in Beit Sahour. Check out some of her photos at www.LivingLutheran.com/HolyLand-grads.
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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
Judaism Presentation
Zion Lutheran Church, Salt Lake City, UT
All are welcome to hear Rabbi Ilana Schwartzman speak at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church,  following worship on Sunday, August 18. A light lunch will be served for this special presentation, beginning at 11:15. She will lead us in Bible study on Genesis, enlighten us about Jewish festivals, and share God's presence and promise in Judaism.
Ilana Schwartzman is an engaging speaker with a gregarious personality. She is a third generation rabbi currently serving as the senior Rabbi for Congregation Kol Ami.
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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.
Congregational Vitality Series to Begin August 17The New Mexico Conference of Churches and Called Back to the WellThe New Mexico Conference of Churches and Called Back to the Well are excited to announce the Congregational Vitality Series! This series will begin on Sat. Aug. 17th with Nadia Bolz-Weber. Nadia is an ELCA pastor who is really connecting with people by inviting them to think theologically and outside the box. She will spend a day with us on Aug 17th. We will follow that gathering with reading, reflection, and practices that we design together. On Aug. 1st at 10 am, I am meeting with interested folks at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church to dream about what practices and forms would be helpful for us in the coming year. This is an AMAZING opportunity for area clergy and lay leaders (all are welcome) to come together with innovative, yet grounded speakers and then to gather in the months between to integrate what we are learning into congregational life. If you are interested, we would love to have you join us. To register or for more information, contact Wanda Tuck at wjtuck2000@gmail.com or register on-line at http://www.nmchurches.org St. Peter, Carlsbad, NM, children do VBS mission projects  During this year's Vacation Bible School the children of St. Peter Lutheran in Carlsbad, NM participated in a mission project we called "Kids for Kids" to supply items for the children of Crossroads. Crossroads is an adult female residential drug rehabilitation facility in Carlsbad; young children are allowed to accompany their mothers. Each day our kids were asked to bring in various items for these young children, and as a craft project they decorated pillowcases with sayings such as, "Jesus Loves Me, This I Know" to serve as a sack for the collected items. Monetary donations were also collected to help fund the construction of a sandbox and other playground enhancements. By the end of the week, we had filled 24 "sacks" with toothbrushes, toothpaste, kids soap, socks, flip-flops, small toys and stuffed animals, and beach towels; and they raised $324.00. For many years St. Peter has shared our Vacation Bible School with ecumenical partners: 1st Christian (Disciples of Christ),1st Presbyterian, Grace Episcopal, and the Carlsbad Mennonite. |
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COLORADO
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Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains
20th Annual Golf Classic - Tee Off for Hope
Monday, August 12
Hiwan Golf Club
30671 Clubhouse Lane, Evergreen, CO 80439
6:30-7:15am Registration and Breakfast
7:30am Shotgun Start
1:00pm Luncheon & Awards
A Great Game of Golf for a Great Cause! Don't Miss It!
Click Here to Register
Prepare/Enrich Facilitator Training
Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, CO
4500 E. Hampden Avenue
Prepare and Enrich Facilitator Training is being offered Thursday, August 22, 2013, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village. The workshop is designed to teach facilitators to administer and provide feedback to premarital and married couples to enhance their relationship. For more information, or to register, please call Beth Walker at 720.352.9915, or go to prepare-enrich.com.
Day Camp 2013: Blessed to Be a Blessing
August 5-8, 2013
St. Peter Lutheran Church, Greenwood Village, CO
9300 East Belleview Avenue
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
303-770-9300
For more information visit us at www.stplc.org
Download Registration Forms
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!
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
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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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