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Greetings!
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 ELCA Presiding Bishop Elect Elizabeth Eaton is in the news
Read Presiding Bishop Elect Elizabeth Eaton's interview with Time Magazine. Watch an online interview with her on Huffington Post. Photo: At the Churchwide Assembly last week, voting members elected the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton to be its first female presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is married to the Rev. Conrad Selnick (left), an Episcopal priest. Photo courtesy of ELCA News Service.  Learn about how ELCA Primary Health Benefits
are Changing Important changes are taking place in Portico health care benefits, the health care program of the ELCA. View why ELCA-primary health benefits are changing in this helpful four-minute video:  | | Healthy Today, Healthy Tomorrow |
The "Gold-Plus" option is the closest to the benefit plan currently offered and is encouraged in the new plan options.
Key Dates: - Now - September 15: Discuss new health benefit options
- September 16 - October 14: Organizations select one health benefit option
- November 1 - 22: Members enroll in, or waive, health and additional benefits.
At the upcoming Theological Conference, and extended time period (90 minutes) has been set aside to learn about the new benefit options and to ask questions. Thrivent scholarships now available Theological Conference
Registration Deadline is TODAY! The annual Theological Conference is September 23-26 in Estes Park, Colorado. The registration deadline is Today! Register now! Thrivent Financial has just offered a limited number of scholarships to be able to provide $200 towards the registration cost for those who can otherwise not attend. Thank you Thrivent. Please email Kent Mueller by August 21 if you would like to apply for a scholarship. Then please register by August 21 and we will work out the details.
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.
Senior High Youth Gathering is November 22-24!
Information will be posted and registration open later this week. A link will be posted on the homepage at www.rmselca.org. Watch for more information about "The Wonder of it All!"
We welcome Erin Power as our Diaconal Ministry intern for nine months!
Erin Power is a student at Iliff School of Theology in the M.Div. program. She is a Diaconal Ministry candidate in the Rocky Mountain Synod, and she will be serving in the Office of the Bishop in areas of communications, hospitality, and event planning, among other projects. Her internship is 9 months for about 15 hours each week. We are pleased that she is supporting our ministry as we support her in her learning, service, and ministry discernment.
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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
10:30 am | North New Mexico | St. Luke,
Albuquerque
| | Thursday | Sept 19
6:30 pm
| Metro South | Prince of Peace, Denver | | Saturday | Sept 28 | Wyoming |
| | Saturday | Oct 19 | Metro West (west) | Good Shepherd, Glenwood
Springs | | Saturday | Oct 26
11 am | Southeast Colorado | First, Colorado Springs | | Saturday | Nov 2 | Metro West (metro) | Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge | | 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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Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost
August 18, 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:
8/25
Shepherd of the Valley LaSalle, CO
Dan Barwinski
Spirit of Joy Fort Collins, CO
Jason McSpadden
Trinity Fort Collins, CO
Gabi and Meghan Aelabouni
Trinity Loveland, CO
Edward Smith, Ann Maki
Zion Loveland, CO
Sonja and Joel Pancoast
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
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS TODAY, AUG 20! (But late registrations will be received)
Some Thrivent funds just came available to support those who cannot otherwise attend. We are able to provide $200 towards the fee. Also, note that travel equalization funds are also available to support travel costs. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please email Kent Mueller (you may hit "reply" to this email) and express your needs right away!
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 WORLD HUNGER
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RACING AGAINST HUNGER
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SKY RANCH LUTHERAN CAMP
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Year of Jubilee
2013 marks the 50th Anniversary
of Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp!
Celebrate 50 years of Ministry with Altitude.
Remember, Experience, Imagine yourself up at Sky Ranch for the 50th Anniversary All-Camp Reunion - Sept 13-15! Everyone is welcome.
Weekend activities will include hiking, arts & crafts, high & low ropes, several worship opportunities, campfire sing-a-long with s'mores, and guest musician and storyteller Jonathan Rundman.
Register by calling the office at 970-493-5258. Adult weekend rates, including lodging/meals/programming, are: $115 in the lodge; $105 in a cabin; $90 in the campground. Call for child rates. Cost for the bus is $45 per adult and $35 per child under 12 with a $150 family maximum. Deadline for bus reservations: : 9/9/13..
A one-day Bus Excursion sponsored by the Thrivent Community- Sky Ranch Network will be Saturday, September 14th. Luxury coach transportation to Sky Ranch is available with several stops along the Front Range. Enjoy lunch and a variety of camp activities including a concert by Jonathan Rundman (jonathanrundman.com). Fun on the bus includes Sky Ranch Trivia with fabulous prizes.
Drive up on your own for lunch and the concert on Saturday for $35/adult and $25/child.
Visit the Sky Ranch website.
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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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FREE PAST ISSUES OF THE ''LITTLE LUTHERAN"
St. Paul's, Cheyenne, WY has past issues of the "Little Lutheran" Magazine. If you or your congregation are interested, contact Pastor Schmidt: pastorschmidt59@gmail.com
TAKE THE PLUNGE TO GENEVA AND TAIZE IN 2014!
The Plunge is a spring pilgrimage for young adults, ages 18-35, to deepen spirituality through an experience with the global church. See www.ELCA.org/Plunge2014.
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.
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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SPIRITUAL HEALTH & LEADERSHIP
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The Centered Life: Education, Counseling & Spiritual Care
 The 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.
During anxious times human beings tend to forget how to speak the truth in love. Everyone in the congregation needs increase understanding about appropriate communication. This workshop will be a fun and important opportunity to learn together how to interact in faith communities in appropriate and life-giving ways. Leader is the Rev. Pam Roberts of Centered Life. Register by calling 719-471-2500.
Church Development Institute
tracks begin October 2013
Along with the Episcopal Church, USA, the Rocky Mountain Synod is offering the Church Development Institute (CDI), a leadership training program focused on the ministry of developing the spiritual community and organizational life of congregations. We equip leaders to serve in the congregation, in the synod and as consultants. CDI is a highly integrated training experience that engages participants in the issues and dynamics faced as leaders and consultants. More information including registration.
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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
Children's and Family Ministry Coach
Faith Lutheran, Golden, Colorado
The Children and Family Ministry Coach will be a primary leader within the life of FAITH and will help be responsible for carrying out the mission/vision of
"Changing lives through the power of Jesus SO THAT we can go and be the hands, feet and voice of Jesus in the world."
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
- Vacation
- New Mexico Council of Churches, Farmington, NM
- Ordination for Terry Schjang, Trinity,
Boulder, CO
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Hunger Team Retreat
- Mission Strategy Planning
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Trinity, Loveland, CO
- Congregational Health Planning
- Our Savior's, Greeley, CO
- Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Centennial, CO
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Well of Hope,
Castle Pines, CO
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Kent is on vacation August 23 to September 9. Send eConnection submissions to Erin Power.
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- EOPR Early Childhood Education
- EOPR Taskforce Meeting
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- Legislative Finance Committee Meeting
- Wage Theft Gathering
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Uganda:
Refugees receive ELCA aid
At least 66,000 people fearing the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo have fled to neighboring Uganda. The ELCA has given $100,000 to help provide them with shelter, water, cooking supplies and basic personal items. See www.ELCA.org/Uganda-refugees.
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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 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.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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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
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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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