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Greetings!
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photo by Jeffrey Louden
Letter from Bishop Gonia:
In the midst of the flooding, the power in being church together
...I've been speaking recently to congregations about the particular gift that comes with our Lutheran Theology of the Cross. As people ask, "Why did God do this?" or "Why did God allow this?" we respond with the unexpected perspective of the cross, that insists that far from being the cause of our suffering, God instead always suffers with us.
Indeed, it is in the midst of our most difficult and challenging moments, that the crucified Christ is revealed again as a sign of God's unfailing presence and abiding love for each of us. We as the Body of Christ, have the sacred calling of embodying that presence and love to our neighbors...
Read the entire letter on Bishop Gonia's blog.
Reaching out in compassion
The Office of the Bishop continues to work with Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountains and Lutheran Disaster Response to respond to the recent floods in our territories. At the present time we are aware of three congregations which have suffered some damage from water: Atonement, Boulder; Grace, Boulder; and Rejoice, Erie. If your congregation's structures have suffered any damage, please let the office know. We are also aware of no major loss of homes from any of our congregations' families. Several families were displaced in Estes Park and Longmont; here, too, information to the office will be helpful to keep everyone updated. Several inquiries have come to us requesting how RMS people can be supportive. Here are some suggestions:
- Lutheran Disaster Response will be working with LFSRM to provide financial support to families and congregations affected by the flooding. If you want to contribute to LDR you can do so through their web site.
- You can also give directly to the Rocky Mountain Synod by designating your contribution for 2013 Flood Assistance. These donations will help to mitigate damage suffered by congregations and rostered leaders who have been affected by the floods. There will probably be other needs which come to light over the next several weeks, and these funds will provide seed money for additional projects.
- If there are local needs for non-monetary assistance we encourage congregations to organize relief efforts with your neighbors. Please remember that unless there is a direct request for specific items such as food, clothing or blankets, amassing physical objects can slow down relief efforts. Cash donations tend to provide greater flexibility of response.
- Please use the RMS Facebook page to help coordinate needed worker volunteer offers and requests.
- We are working to have some time for lament and respite and perhaps a disaster counselor available at next week's Theological Conference. Our Synod Minister for Shared Ministries, Ron Roschk,e continues to coordinate our responses to this disaster.
We are stronger together than we are by ourselves; we thank you for your partnership in God's loving care and good news!
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CONFERENCE CANNOT TAKE PLACE AT ESTES PARK...
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NEW LOCATION:
Leadership Retreat
& Theological Conference
September 23-26, 2013
Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge
Sheraton Denver West, Lakewood
Due to the flooding crisis in Colorado, the conference cannot take place in Estes Park. The new conference location is Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, with lodging at the Sheraton Denver West in Lakewood, Colorado.
If you have not responded regarding your preferences for lodging, please
our diaconal ministry intern. Unless we hear otherwise, your registration preferences will remain the same (single room, commuter, etc). We hope to refund those who are now commuting a significant portion of their room fee, but our lodging costs are overall higher in the hotel as compared to the YMCA, so we face some unexpected budgeting challenges. We will only be able to process refunds after the conference has concluded.
The updated schedule and location maps will be posted soon.
We express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Holy Cross Lutheran Church for their gracious hospitality and willingness to "clear the calendar" so that the conference may take place there. Thank you!
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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.
Below is the list of dates. Mark your calendar!
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| | | | Thursday | Sept 19
6:30 pm
| Metro South | Prince of Peace, Denver | to be rescheduled due to conflicts
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| 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 | New Hope, El Paso, TX | | Saturday | Nov 16 | Utah |
| | Saturday | Jan 11 | Boulder-Broomfield |
| | Saturday | Feb 1 | North Colorado |
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PRAYERS
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Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost
September 22, 2013
God among us, we gather in the name of your Son to learn love for one another. Keep our feet from evil paths. Turn our minds to your wisdom and our hearts to the grace revealed in your Son, 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:
Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit
Centennial, CO
Lutheran Church of the Master
Lakewood, CO
Robert Moss, Brigette Weier
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
Lakewood, CO
Garrett Struessel
Pastor Tim Orlowski was installed as the new pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Durango, CO, last week. We share in the congregation's joy as they welcome him!
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TIME TO UPDATE YOUR CONSTITUTION!
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Update your congregation's constitution with 2013 Churchwide Assembly ammendments
Now available are the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly approved Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations. These amendments can be inserted into your congregation's constitution approved by the congregation by a simply majority vote of voting members present and voting at any legally called meeting of the congregation without presentation at a prior meeting of the congregation, provided that the Congregation Council has submitted notice by mail and/or electronic means to the congregation of such amendments, together with the council's recommendations, at least 30 days prior to the meeting. See *17.04. in your congregation's constitution for more information.
A reminder that all (*) provisions in the Model Constitution for Congregations and in the 2013 ELCA Churchwide approved amendments for the Model Constitution for Congregations may not be altered, revised, or changed in any way. Provisions that do not have a (*) may be edited per each congregational context.
Please do not be hesitant to contact Synod Secretary, Pastor Scott McAnally at pscott@lchope.org for guidance, questions, or more information.
.pdf and MS Word files of the 2013 Model Constitution
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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.
The "Gold-Plus" option is the closest to the benefit plan currently offered and is encouraged in the new plan options.
Key Dates:
- 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
RAINBOW TRAIL's RACE TO BENEFIT WORLD HUNGER
7th Annual Grace Race
Saturday, October 5
Sloan's Lake, Denver, CO
 RAINBOW TRAIL is hosting its 7th Annual Grace Race to benefit world hunger. All proceeds and donations will be given to ELCA World Hunger. This is a 5K run/walk around beautiful Sloan's Lake in Denver. There will be food and refreshments for all participants following the race. The entry fee is $30 before September 27th and $35 after that date. You don't have to be a runner to make a difference. They had parents with baby strollers, grandparents with grand kids, and runners and walkers of all types last year. Come join us for a great afternoon in the park for a great cause. To learn more and to register, go to
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WORLD WEEK FOR PEACE
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World Week for Peace
in Palestine Israel
September 22-29, 2013
Week of Prayer, Advocacy Education and Action
"Jerusalem, the city of Justice and Peace"
- Pray with churches living under occupation, using a special prayer from Jerusalem and other worship resources prepared for the week.
- Educate about actions that make for peace, and about facts on the ground that do not create peace, especially issues related to the city of Jerusalem.
- Study the message from Palestinian Christians, "Kairos Palestine"
- Advocate with political leaders to promote peace with justice.
For more information contact the Rocky Mountain Synod Peace Not Walls working group, Jan Miller: janlmiller@q.com
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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.
HUNGER EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM
Want to educate your community about the fight against hunger but you don't have the funding to bring it to life? Good news... there is funding available through the ELCA Hunger Education Grant Program to help you teach others about the root causes and solutions of hunger. The deadline for submitting proposals is December 31, 2013, so go to the Hunger Rumblings blog posted on September 5 by Henry Martinez for information and proposal guidelines.
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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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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Director of Youth Ministries
Trinity Lutheran Church - Boulder, Colorado
Youth ministry at Trinity is understood to be evangelical and not parochial. 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.
Position will work with youth up to 12th grade. The individual in this position would need good skills in the areas of organization, communication, budgeting and money management, as well as computer skills and internet familiarity. 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. We will be reviewing applications as we receive them until the position is filled.
For more information, please contact Pastor Mark Twietmeyer at Trinity Lutheran Church: Phone: 303-442-2300 or
twiet@comcast.net
Custodian (Part Time)
Lutheran Church of the Master - Lakewood, Colorado
Lutheran Church of the Master in Lakewood, CO is seeking a part-time church custodian (20-25 hours per week). The position entails weekly cleaning of the church facility to include sanctuary, classrooms, offices and restrooms. Duties also include periodic minor maintenance on plumbing, electrical and structural systems. The custodian also has some responsibility for grounds maintenance. Resumes will be accepted until Sept. 30, 2013. Questions and resumes should be submitted to Karl Feth atkfeth@Q.com
Link to RMS job postings
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- 4Winds Meeting
- South Metro Mission Gathering, Prince of Peace, Denver,CO
- Southwest California Synod Bishop Installation
- Zion, Trinidad, CO
- Theological Conference
Pastor Ron Roschke
- 4Winds Meeting
- RTLC Board Meeting
- Theological Conference
Pastor Sarah Moening
- King of Glory, Loveland, CO
- Installation of Matthew Powell, Cross of Hope, Albuquerque, NM
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- 4Winds Meeting
- South Metro Mission Gathering, Prince of Peace, Denver,CO
- Christ the King, Colorado Springs, CO
- Theological Conference
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Theological Conference Planning
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- Health Care For ALl
- NM Association of Food Banks
- Theological Conference
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Mauritania:
Learning to respond to disasters
Floods, fires, tornadoes, drought and locust attacks - this small country has seen them all in recent years. With the help of Lutheran Disaster Response and The Lutheran World Federation, people in several communities are being trained to respond to such emergencies. See www.LivingLutheran.com/Mauritania-disasters.
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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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Celebrating the Past - Creating the Future
Luther House Rockin' Jubilee
Sunday September 22 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
 50 years ago Lutheran Campus Ministry at UNM and CNM bought Luther House and has used it for ministry ever since. Plan to join us on Sunday September 22 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. for the Golden Jubilee Picnic Fund Raiser.
There will be a silent auction from 3:00 to 5:30 and a live auction starting at 4:00 pm. There are auction items with a wide range of starting bids including antiques, pottery, jewelry, an Acoma pueblo nativity, silver, china, yard work, and a ride for 2 people in the Carousel Balloon as part of the Mass Ascension during the Balloon Fiesta October 5-13, 2013. Contact Ted and Arlene Dellin, tdellin@msn.com or 505-797-1242 for more information or to put in an early bid for the balloon ride, $800 value starting bid is $250.
Luther House will provide Sloppy Joes, ice cream, beverages, and table service for the picnic. You are invited to bring a side dish, chips, cookies, or fruit / veggie trays. Riverside Brass from Holy Cross, musicians from Camino de Vida and others will provide entertainment throughout the afternoon.
There is parking in the UNM lot near Maxwell Museum. Enter the lot from Redondo (parallel to and east of University Blvd.) between ML King and Las Lomas. Handicapped parking is also across from Luther House in the small lot at Dane Smith Hall.
Remember to wear your Luther Rock's T-shirt! There is more information about auction items on our Facebook page: Luther House UNM & CNM, then click on Events. Come help us celebrate 50 years at Luther House! 1805 Las Lomas Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-385-0842
Katie Luther: the Opera
Friday, October 25 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 27 at 2 p.m.
at Keller Hall, UNM campus next to Popejoy Hall
In 2017 we will celebrate the 500th anniversary of The Reformation! We are excited to present a musical drama told from the mind of Katharina von Bora-Luther, the woman behind the Reformation.
Katie Luther comes across as a warm, genuine, passionate woman who was so moved by the Reformation that she risked severe punishment to escape to a new life of freedom in Wittenburg. This modern opera is performed in English and the music is creative, fresh, and melodic. Composer Dr. Glenn Winters has masterfully woven Lutheran hymnody into the score, which makes for an interesting work of art. Tickets available at www.UNMTickets.com.
Dates: Friday, October 25 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 27 at 2 p.m. at Keller Hall, UNM campus next to Popejoy Hall.
The St. Olaf Orchestra
Thursday October 17 at 7 p.m.
Simms Center for the Performing Arts at the Albuquerque Academy. 6400 Wyoming Boulevard NE. $10 Adults/Seniors. Students free.
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COLORADO
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32nd Anniversary of St. John's Lutheran Church
October 13 at 10:45
Thornton, CO
After worship, join in a walk to Cherry Park nearby. They will celebrate with fellowship in the park from noon to 4 p.m. Bring a side dish to share. RSVP at 303-457-2467 or email stjohns05@gmail.com
John Philip Newell: Poet, Peacemaker, Scholar:
Rebirthing of God: the spirit, the earth, the human soul -
October 25-27
at Trinity United Methodist Church, Denver
 The interfaith community of Denver will welcome John Philip Newell to a weekend of spiritual growth and renewal through the "Rebirthing of God event. 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. Event flyer.
The schedule includes a Friday night lecture, Saturday morning interactive workshop, and Sunday morning worship & open forum. Please register now if you are interested in attending, as space is limited. Information and registration is available at www.trinityumc.org (register as guest).
Best Ever Parent Training Event
September 28, 9am-1pm
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Longmont
Nationally known Youth Ministry Speaker, Author and Youth Minister, Brock Morgan will guide us through two topics on every parent of a teen's (or soon to be teen) must know list. We will dive into the inner workings of the teen brain and then learn about what Christianity looks like for teens in a culture that feels post Christian to many. This event is hosted by Longmont, CO congregations: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Longs Peak United Methodist, First United Methodist, and Central Presbyterian
Cost: $10 for Individual or $15 for Couple. Deadline for Registration is September 22, 2013
Cash or check only made payable to:
FUMC
350 11th Ave., Longmont, CO 80501
Attn: Best Ever Parenting Training
Questions? Email to besteverparents@gmail.com or call 303-956-6609
Addressing the Challenges of Christian Zionism: Accompanying Our Sisters & Brothers in the Middle East
October 19-21
Denver & Fort Collins, CO
Peace Not Walls invites you join them for a weekend with Dr. Robert Smith, Area Program Director for the Middle East & North Africa in the Global Mission unit of the ELCA. Come hear Pastor Smith speak about the historical roots and current political implications of Christian Zionism, issues he explores in depth in his recently published book More Desired than Our Owne Salvation: The Roots of Christian Zionism. Come, ask questions and engage in a discussion of this highly controversial and often misunderstood subject.Download the flyer for more information
An Evening with Carrie Newcomer
at Bethany Lutheran Church
A benefit concert for Habitat for Humanity takes place Saturday, September 28, 7:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church. Singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer's music has always explored the intersection of the spiritual and the daily, the sacred and the ordinary. Over the course of her career she has become a prominent voice for progressive spirituality, social justice and interfaith dialogue. Tickets are available at
 Agape (aka David Scherer)
Wednesday, October 2nd 6:30-8:15 p.m.
at Bethany Lutheran Church
Agape has been touring full time for 10 years 'Spreading God's love through hip hop." Agape has had people of all ages praising God together and having a great time! This is fun for the WHOLE family! He has a passion for young people and for helping them realize their worth and see themselves through Jesus' eyes. At Bethany Lutheran Church FREE!! www.bethany-denver.org. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
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
ALDE Colorado Fall Conference
Friday, October 18, 9am-3pm
Bethany Lutheran Church
Cost:$25
Join us for great workshops! For more information or to register visit: bit.ly/ALDECO
A Taste of Romania!
Saturday, September 21, 3-7pm
Highlands Lutheran Church, Denver, CO
A fall festival of food, folk music & dance and lots of fun for the entire family! Download the flyer.
The St. Olaf Orchestra
Sunday October 13, 7 p.m., at Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, CO
Monday, October 14, 7:30 p.m. at Macky Auditorium, Boulder, CO
Tuesday, October 15, 7 p.m. at Rocky Mountain High School, Fort Collins, CO
Tickets at www.stolaftickets.com or at the door.
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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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