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Vol 1, Issue 1 |
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Greetings!
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Reflections from the 2013 Churchwide Assembly
From August 12-17 in Pittsburg, PA, fifteen voting members
from the Rocky Mountain Synod joined together with fellow ELCA members for the 2013 Churchwide Assembly:
"It was a joy to be a part of the Rocky Mountain Synod delegation. We were fifteen strong and dedicated to the idea that we were God's hands at work".
Read more reflections from our voting members in Bishop Gonia's most recent Blog Entry.
A summary of actions from the assembly and full reports can be found the ELCA website.
Faith Formation Network Meeting
September 12, 10am- noon
Re-imagining
how we do this church thing in more real ways!
Join Bishop Gonia for a conversation about Shifting Ecclesiology.
Anyone interested in faith formation is welcome to attend. The group is a support network for those working or volunteering in faith formation, Christian education or youth ministry. For more information about this particular meeting or the Network in general, please contact Sarah Moening in the Office of the Bishop.
We welcome Rachel Price as our intern from the Wartburg West Campus!
Rachel is a sophomore at Wartburg College majoring in Religion and Justice and Peace Studies and is participating in the Urban Semester program at the Wartburg West campus in Denver. She will be interning at the Office of the Bishop through November 21st. Her work will be offering support to Brad Wood and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, as well as Pastor Stephanie Quick-Espinoza with her work with new-start and developing congregations. We look forward to Rachel joining us in ministry as she seeks to learn more about the bodies of people and different congregations that make up the Church as a whole. Welcome Rachel!
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CONFERENCE GATHERINGS
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Mark your calendar for this year's Conference Gatherings
Gifted to Grow
God is on a mission of grace, compassion, forgiveness, and justice in the world. As the body of Christ, the church has been invited and gifted by our Creator and empowered by the Holy Spirit to join that work. During this year's Conference Gatherings: Gifted to Grow, we will discover together how we can join in that work by ministry from a gift based approach through asset mapping.
Please bring 6-8 people from your congregation to the missional gathering for your conference. We strongly encourage a diverse group of participants to represent each church, especially middle and high school youth. Your presence is important as we gather to be church together.
Join Bishop Gonia and our new Vice President, Earline Bohling, for conversation and connection around the theme, "Gifted to Grow." Online registration is now available for the September events. Please register 5 days prior to each event so arrangements may be made for meals or snacks.
Download the bulletin insert for North New Mexico Gathering
Below is the list of dates. Mark your calendar!
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Saturday
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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 |
| | Saturday | Feb 1 | North Colorado |
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PRAYERS
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Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost
September 8, 2013
Direct us, O Lord God, in all our doings with your continual help, that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name; and finally, by your mercy, bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
Metro South 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:
9/8
Centennial, Englewood, CO
Christian Nisonger
Christ, Highlands Ranch, CO
Tom Shelly, DJ Dent
Christ the King Denver, CO
Korey Finstad
Evergreen Evergreen, CO
Vera Guebert-Steward
Travis Johnson-Esparza to be ordained September 14th at St. Luke, Albuquerque, NM
Travis Johnson-Esparza has received a call to be the pastor of St Luke Lutheran Church in Albuquergue, NM. The ordination, followed by the installation, will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 14th at St Luke Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM. The color of the day is red, and pastors are invited to vest, arriving at 1:30 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
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 Erin Power.
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 PRIMARY HEALTH BENEFITS
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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 an extended time period (90 minutes) has been set aside to learn about the new benefit options and to ask questions.
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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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TO THE POINT
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2013 ASSEMBLY APPROVED REVISIONS FOR MODEL CONSTITUTION FOR CONGREGATIONS.
Updates to the ELCA Model Constitution for Congregations approved at the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly should be available around the middle or end of September. Please watch for links in further correspondence this fall from the Synod Secretary as your congregation prepares for the annual meetings this coming winter and spring. Any questions can be directed to the Synod Secretary, Pastor Scott McAnally: pscott@lchope.org
UPCOMING BOOK LAUNCH FOR PASTRIX
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BY PASTOR NADIA BOLZ-WEBER
Join Pastor Nadia on September 10th at 7:30 pm at the Tattered Cover in downtown Denver for the launching of her book, Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint, described as a "messy, beautiful, prayer-and-profanity laden narrative about an unconventional life of faith".
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.
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SPIRITUAL HEALTH & LEADERSHIP
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Mediation Skills Training Institute
University Park Methodist Church, Denver, CO
TheMediation Skills Training Institute offers mediation and conflict transformation training for both pastors and lay leaders.The institute includes lectures, discussion, and guided practice in role-plays. Active and practical in focus, the sessions emphasize hands-on skills training and real-life role-plays based on the kinds of conflicts faced by participants. Register by September 13th and save $100!
The Office of the Bishop has (3) $300 scholarships available for this event. Contact Bishop Gonia to apply.
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 increased 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. Download the flyer.
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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YOUTH GATHERINGS
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Senior High Youth Gathering is November 22-24!
Middle School Youth Gathering is January 17-19!
More information coming soon!
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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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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
- Region 2 Consultation
- Spirit of the Mountain, Coal Creek Canyon
- Staff Retreat
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Region 2 Consultation
- St. Paul, Denver, CO
- Staff Retreat
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Region 2 Consultation
- Peace, Sterling, CO
- Staff Retreat
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Vacation
- Lutheran College Fair, Bethany, Denver, CO
- Staff Retreat
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Kent is on vacation August 23 to September 9. Send eConnection submissions to Erin Power.
- Staff Retreat
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- EOPR Taskforce
- Lord of the Hills, Centennial, CO
- Staff Retreat
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- Mortgage Finance Authority Oversight Committee
- "A Place at the Table"
- Staff Retreat
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Celebrate Global Church Sunday This fall, congregations are invited to pick a day to celebrate our connections and common mission in Christ's global church in conjunction with World Day of Prayer for Peace, September 21, World Communion Sunday, October 6, or Lutheran World Federation Sunday, October 27. For more information, see
www.ELCA.orgGlobalChurchSunday.
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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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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Border Servant Corps
2013-2014 Commissioning
Sunday, September 8th at 9 am
Peace Lutheran Church, El Paso, TX
Community Nights Border Servant Corps volunteers will open their homes to community members for a potluck at 6:30pm on the third Monday of every month. Come, bring a dish to share, and be a part of the community. The date this month is Monday, September 16th. Casa de Paz: 1003 Upson Dr., El Paso, TX 79902
Janaan's House: 1101 Branson Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001
Casa Palomas: 1289 S. Espina, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Thrivent Choice Dollars The Thrivent Choice� program allows members to recommend where some of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans' charitable outreach funds are allocated by directing Choice Dollars. BSC is able to accept these donations through Peace Lutheran Church (Las Cruces, NM). In order for these amounts to be designated to BSC, donors must send the amount to BSC every time a donation is made. Due to financial privacy laws, if the amount is not received from the donor, Peace is unable to designate the funds to BSC. For more information about how to donate, please contact kari@borderservantcorps.org.
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COLORADO
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Christianity21
21 Voices, 21 Big Ideas, 21 Minutes Each
January 9-11, 2014
Denver, Colorado
Launched in 2009, Christianity21 quickly became known for brilliant, provocative content regarding the Christian faith in the 21st century. Now C21 is making its triumphant return with a range of diverse and prophetic voices, including Jonathan Merritt, Enuma Okora, Paul Raushenbush, Phyllis Tickle, Romal Tune, and more -- see the full list and register at Christianity21.com.
Beyond Divorce: Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends
St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Highlands Ranch, CO
Beginning Thursday September 12th, this 10 week seminar will be each Thursday through November 21st, from 6:30-8:30 pm. Complementary child care is available. For more information please contact Beth Walker at 720.352.9915 or bethdwalker@gmail.com .
Workshop: Rebirthing of God
October 25-27
Trinity United Methodist Church, Denver, CO
Spend the weekend with internationally acclaimed expert on Celtic spirituality, John Philip Newell. Drawing on the ancient insights of Celtic Spirituality, explore a spirituality that is intimately linked to the natural world, open to the treasure of other religious traditions, and grounded in the daily practice of prayer and meditation. Advance registration ends September 30th. Click her for more information or to register.
12th Annual Second Wind Fund Walk/Run
Sunday, September 22
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
Approximately half of Colorado's youth struggle with thoughts of suicide by the time they're 20 years old. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for this age group in Colorado. To date, Second Wind Fund has referred over 3,200 youth at-risk of suicide to professional mental health therapists. Support our mission by becoming a corporate sponsor through donations or sending teams of members to walk, run, enjoy the food and music.
If you would like further information on how to partner with Second Wind Fund please contact Mary Wylie, Faith Committee Chair at mwylie_secondwind@comcast.net or Dawn Anderson, Events Director at danderson@thesecondwindfund.org
Click here for more information or to register for the event!
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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