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Greetings!
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Theological Conference Deadline is Tuesday, August 20
The annual Theological Conference is September 23-26 in Estes Park, Colorado. The registration deadline is Tuesday, August 20. Register now!
Who are your Faith Formation
staff and volunteers?
We try to keep current with who the staff and volunteers are in each congregation in the areas of Faith Formation, Education, Youth, and Children's ministries. Please complete this brief form to submit the names of the people in your congregation who should receive email communication and invitations.
The Centered Life: Education, Counseling & Spiritual Care
 Behavioral Covenant Workshop for pastors and lay leaders is at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Denver on Saturday, September 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $70 per congregation with lunch available for $10 each. The workshop will focus on "The Centered Life: Education, Counseling, and Spiritual Care." Leader is the Rev. Pam Roberts of Centered Life. Register by call ing 719-471-2500.
Church Development Institute
tracks begin October 2013
Along with the Episcopal Church, USA, the Rocky Mountain Synod is offering a leadership training program focused on the ministry of developing the spiritual community and organizational life of congregations. More information will be available soon regarding registration.
Groundbreaking Highlights Video
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. |
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CONFERENCE GATHERINGS
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Mark your calendar for this year's Conference Gatherings
"Gifted to Grow" is the theme of this next year together as a follow-up to being "deeply rooted and bearing fruit."
Join Bishop Gonia and our new Vice President, Earline Bohling, for conversation and connection around the theme, "Gifted to Grow."
Below is the list of dates. Mark your calendar!
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Saturday
| Sept 14 | North New Mexico |
| | Thursday | Sept 19 | Metro South |
| | Saturday | Sept 28 | Wyoming |
| | Saturday | Oct 19 | Metro West (west) |
| | Saturday | Oct 26 | Southeast Colorado |
| | Saturday | Nov 2 | Metro West (metro) |
| | Sunday | Nov 3 | Metro East |
| | Saturday | Nov 9 | Border |
| | Saturday | Nov 16 | Utah |
| | Saturday | Jan 11 | Boulder-Broomfield |
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| TBD | North Colorado |
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PRAYERS
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Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
August 11, 2013
O God, judge eternal, you love justice and hate oppression, and you call us to share your zeal for truth. Give us courage to take our stand with all victims of bloodshed and greed, and, following your servants and prophets, to look to the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, your Son, 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:
8/18
Our Saviour's Fort Collins, CO
Michael Stadtmueller, Leta Behrens
Peace Akron, CO
Peace Sterling, CO
Wendy Kalan
Shepherd of the Hills Fort Collins, CO
Dana Peterson
Shepherd of the Mountains
Estes Park, CO
Ron Bockhaus
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.
Terry Schjang to be ordained August 25 at Trinity, Boulder, CO
Terry Schjang has received a call to be the pastor of the New Beginnings ministry at the Women's Correctional Center in Denver. The ordination will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 25 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boulder, Colorado. The color of the day is red, and pastors are invited to vest, arriving at 3:30 p.m. Refreshments following. All are invited!
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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.
Registration Questions? Send an email to Erin Power, our diaconal ministry intern.
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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NEW MEXICO ADVOCACY CONFERENCE IS OCT. 19
The annual Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM advocacy conference will be on Saturday, October 19 in Albuquerque from 9 am to 1 pm at All Saints Lutheran Church. Watch for more details and plan now to attend.
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 COLLEGE FAIRS
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Two College Fairs in September
The Lutheran College Fairs are free to the public, and there is no need to pre-register. All are welcome. Come and learn about the amazing opportunities for Lutheran higher education!
Denver, Colorado -
Sunday, September 8
Bethany Lutheran Church
Financial Aid Seminar: 6:15 p.m.
College Fair: 6:45 p.m.
Loveland, Colorado (Ft. Collins Area) -
Monday, September 9
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Financial Aid Seminar: 7:00 p.m.
College Fair: 7:30 p.m.
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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
- Churchwide Assembly, Pittsburgh, PA
- Installation of Dirk Stadtlander, Kimg of Kings, Pueblo, CO
- Staff Retreat
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Vacation
- Mission Imagination Table
- Staff Retreat
- Hunger Team Retreat
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Confirmation Retreat, Sky Ranch
- SHYG Planning
- Staff Retreat
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Mission Imagination Table
- Cristo Rey, Denver, CO
- Staff Retreat
- Zion, Loveland, CO
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Staff Retreat
- Assembly Planning
- Adams County Zoning Meeting
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- Poverty Conference, Grand Junction, CO
- Staff Retreat
- EOPR Housing Workgroup
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- Minimum Wage Coalition
- Medicaid Coalition
- Health Care for All
- Staff Retreat
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Malawi: Small loan
makes big difference
"In the past before I had my small business, there was a frequent prevalence of malaria in this house," says Maria, who has three children. Through a small loan funded by the ELCA Malaria Campaign, Maria has started a baking business that provides the income needed to treat malaria in her family and the resources to help prevent future cases. See www.ELCA.org/malaria-loan.
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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
Blessing of the Backpacks
Elin Lutheran Church, Ogden
Elim Lutheran Church, 575 -23rd Street, in Ogden hold the annual "Blessing of the Backpacks" during the 10:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, August 18, 2013. Any student at any level is invited to be blessed with their backpack for the next school year. Those who do not yet have a backpack will be given one, as supplies last.
A new feature this year in the "Blessing of the Backpacks" is that Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has selected Elim to receive one of the new "Action Team" grants in the amount of $250.00. Five randomly selected classroom teachers at Dee School will receive $50 Staples gift cards and 15% off Staples discount cards. These will be presented to Alice Glenn, a second grade teacher at Dee, and Elizabeth Guzman, office administrator, on behalf of all the recipients.
Elim Lutheran Church presents workshop on Medicare
Elim Lutheran Church, 575 -23rd Street, in Ogden will present its summer workshop for seniors, "The Last Say" on Wednesday, August 21, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Everyone is invited to attend this event, but it is especially geared for the "wise elders" of our community.
Shantel Clark and Nobu Iizuka, from Weber Human Services will speak about Medicare. They will explain about the different parts of this program and give information about the prescription drug plan. They will contrast and compare various plans, and will also speak about fraud and abuse surrounding Medicare.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is supporting this ministry, and Thrivent's representatives will be available to answer any questions attendees may have. Lunch will be served.
There is no charge for the workshop, but those planning to attend are requested to contact Elim's office by emailing office@elimlutheran.org or by calling 801-394-5543 so that there will be enough food available for lunch.
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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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 |
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COLORADO
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Prepare/Enrich Facilitator Training
Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, CO
4500 E. Hampden Avenue
The Prepare/Enrich workshop will teach clergy, professional counselors, marriage educators and mentor couples to administer the Prepare Enrich inventory and provide feedback to premarital and married couples. The inventory, feedback and exercises assist couples in exploring and strengthening their relationship. The class is being offered at Bethany Lutheran Church, in Cherry Hills Village on August 22, or at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, in Highlands Ranch on September 19, 2013. For more information, or to register, please call Beth Walker at 720.352.9915, or go to prepare-enrich.com.
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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