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Greetings!
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Prayers for those affected by floods
On Wednesday October 16, the combined Confirmation classes of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection and Lutheran Church of the Master in Lakewood, CO, met for for Service Night. They discussed the recent floods in Colorado and asked, "If you had only 15 minutes before your house flooded, what would you try to grab?" It was a great discussion to get the students thinking about those affected by this year's floods and fires. Then they created banners with stickers and encouraging words for the Northern Colorado Conference and the Boulder/Broomfield Conference ELCA churches. With these posters they were able to express their care and concern. Thanks to our Confirmation students for all their creativity and care for others!
2014 Compensation Guidelines Posted
Synod Council is continuing to work on a revised compensation guideline format for 2015. For 2014, the guidelines are now posted that include a 2.3% cost of living increase.
new name for Valley Lutheran Church site:
Centro Luterano | Lutheran Center
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA
The site of the new Office of the Bishop will now be referred to as the "Lutheran Center" or "Centro Luterano" since many people living in the neighborhood speak Spanish. The building that is being renovated and expanded will be referred to as the "Office of the Bishop." The church on the site will be referred to as the "Lutheran Center Chapel."
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CONFERENCE GATHERINGS
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Mark your calendar for this year's Conference Gatherings
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 events through November 3. Please register at least 5 days prior to each event so arrangements may be made for meals or snacks.
SAT OCT 26 Southeast Colorado from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
First, Colorado Springs (bring $7 for lunch)
SAT NOV 2 Metro West from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge
SUN NOV 3 Metro East from 2 to 5 p.m.
Christ the Savior, Aurora
SAT NOV 9 Border from 10:30 to 2:30 p.m.
New Hope, El Paso
SAT NOV 16 Utah from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mt Tabor, Salt Lake City
SAT DEC 7 Wyoming from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Good Shepherd, Casper
SAT JAN 11 Boulder Broomfield from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield
SAT FEB 1 North Colorado from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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PRAYERS
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Twenty-third Sunday After Pentecost
October 27, 2013
Holy God, our righteous judge, daily your mercy surprises us with everlasting forgiveness. Strengthen our hope in you, and grant that all the peoples of the earth may find their glory in you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In Memoriam
Sister Ellen Bernice Peterson
1918-2013
 We give thanks for the life and ministry of Sister Ellen Bernice Peterson, who died on Saturday, October 12, at the age of 95.
Sister Bernice was born on June 10, 1918, in El Paso County, CO. She was consecrated a deaconess on June 21, 1957. Before retiring in 1983, she served as charge nurse at Eben-Ezer Lutheran Care Center, Brush CO. Her memorial service will be Friday, October 25, at 11:00 a.m. with interment preceding the memorial service at Evergreen Cemetery at 10 a.m.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
Social Ministries and Agencies
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:
10/27
Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center
Lafayette, Colorado
Jennifer LaVie, DM
Teri Hermsmeyer
Mercy Regional Medical Center
Durango, CO
Josh Magyar
Border Servant Corps
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Kari Lenander
Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center
Brush, Colorado
Shelly Griffin
Rosalie (Ro) Fesser, DM
Emerson Gardens
Denver, Colorado
Jan Wright
Lutheran Family Services of Colorado
Denver, Colorado
Jim Barclay
Lutheran Social Services of the South
El Paso, Texas
Jose Alamillo
Lutheran Social Services of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Leslie Whited
Lutheran Refugee Services
Denver, Colorado
James Horan
Luthercare, Inc.
Casper, Wyoming
Jill Elliott
Mosaic
Omaha, Nebraska
Linda Timmons
Urban Servant Corps
Denver, Colorado
Krista Kilgas
Installation of Rev. Janice Kibler
The Members of Grace Lutheran Church in Boulder, Colorado celebrate the installation of the Reverend Janice Kibler as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Boulder, Colorado, on Wednesday, November 13, 2013, at 7pm. Bishop James Gonia will be preaching and presiding, and rostered leaders are invited to vest. Green is the appropriate color for the day. A reception in the Fellowship Hall will follow the service. All are invited to join in the celebration.
Pastor Purdum to be honored
for 25 years of ministry
The people of St. Luke, Albuquerque, invite you to join in celebrating the 25th ordination anniversary of Pastor Beth Purdum on Sunday, November 10. Festivities will take place during the 10:15 worship, and a fellowship meal will follow immediately afterward. The church is located at 9100 Menaul Boulevard NE.
Ruth Hoffman to be honored with the Turquoise Chalice award in New Mexico
Ruth Hoffman, the director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry New Mexico, has been named the recipient of the Turquoise Chalice award, presented by the New Mexico Council of Churches. She will be honored October 26 for her work at the Roundhouse and in New Mexico communities for her work educating and building an ecumenical coalition. The award luncheon takes place October 26 at 11:30 a.m. at Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque.
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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!
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2014 SYNOD ASSEMBLY: MAY 8-10
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We are seeking team leaders to anchor the Assembly Planning Team!
 We are seeking key leadership volunteers (who are not voting members) for the 2014 Synod Assembly Planning Team. The assembly is May 8-10 and will be at the Denver Tech Center Marriott. At this time, we are primarily seeking "team leaders" to anchor the Assembly Planning Team. A team leader is needed for each area below. If you are interested or have questions, reply to this email here. Our first planning meeting will be scheduled for early November, and you will be able to attend by Webex video conference.
We are seeking a Team Leader for each area below:
Worship Team
Hospitality Team
Workshop Team
Facilities/AV Team
Arts & Environment Team
Special Events/Celebration of Ministries Team
Elections Team
Local Volunteer Recruiter
If you are interested or have questions, reply to this email here. We look forward to the 2014 Assembly!
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| YOUNG ADULTS IN GLOBAL MISSION |
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Kaleb Sutherland shares a YAGM Story
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Learn about Young Adults in Global Mission with area opportunities
Kaleb Sutherland, a representative for the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program, will be in the Rocky Mountain Synod this week. Join him for conversation at these opportunities:
- Tuesday, October 22 - University of Colorado, Boulder, Lutheran Campus Ministry group - 6:00 PM Dinner and Conversation - St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 2425 Colorado Avenue
- Wednesday, October 23 - University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Lutheran Campus Ministry group - 6:00 PM Dinner and Conversation - Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry Center, 1844 11th Ave
- Thursday, October 24 - Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Lutheran Campus Ministry group - 6:00 PM Dinner and Conversation - Campus Ministry Center, 805 South Shields
He will also be at House for all Sinners and Saints on Sunday, October 27 for their evening worship service. at 5pm. They meet at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2201 Dexter St., Denver, CO 80207.
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| RAINBOW TRAIL |
Bridging Borders service-based ministry announces 2014 trips
Bridging Borders, a service-based mission ministry through Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, is going to Anapra, Mexico; New York City; Ecuador; and now Boulder, Colorado in the summer of 2014. Each trip provides a unique and exciting experience for all involved as well as a tangible example of what it means to be the hands and feet of God in the world.
Rainbow Trail is now taking requests for summer 2014 reservations. Dates will fill fast, so if you want to reserve a date or need more information, contact Ben Jarvis, Director of On-Site and Bridging Borders. For additional information, visit the Rainbow Trail website.
Confirmation Retreat is
November 8-10 at Rainbow Trail
Join Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp for their fall Confirmation Retreat on Novemeber 8-10, 2013, and let them be partners with you in creating a fun atmosphere for learning in your confirmation program! There will be singing songs, playing games, learning together and playing together in God's beautiful creation.
The Rainbow Trail staff will lead your kids in crafts, team-building activities, outdoor activities such as hiking or sledding, fun games and camp-style songs! The theme of the retreat this year is Get Up on Your Soapbox! Kathy Armstrong is the Keynote Speaker. For more details about the retreat or to register, contact Ben Jarvis at ben.jarvis@rainbowtrail.org. Registration forms can be downloaded from Rainbow Trail's website.
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| BORDER IMMERSION AT CRISTO REY |
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, El Paso, invites you to come to the border
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey in El Paso, TX invites you to a "Mini Immersion" with the Border Immersion Program November 1-3. "Come to the Border. Come to be Changed." Download the flyer.
These weeks are available:
Feb 15-21
Feb 22-28
April 19-25
April 26 - May 3
Please contact Gretchen Curry for any questions or inquiries at 915-544-6545 or borderimmersion@gmail.com, and visit their website at http://borderimmersion.wix.com/elpaso.
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| GIFTS OF SERVICE & LEADERSHIP |
New group formed for clergy who
are veterans of the military
Clergy who are veterans of the military (not just those who were or are military chaplains), are invited to a gathering on Monday, November 4 in Westminster at 1000 hours at Covenant Village of Colorado, 9153 Yarrow Street.
The Reverend George Meister (ELCA and retired Air Force) is the Executive Director of Covenant Village. He has offered to provide lunch, but he needs to know numbers attending. Please let George (303-515-6342) or Dean Smith (303-957-8068) know if you can attend.
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| HEALTH BENEFITS |
November 22 is deadline for members to enroll in or waive health benefits
 Key Dates: - November 1 - 22: Members enroll in, or waive, health and additional benefits.
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| PEACE NOT WALLS |
Daily Devotions for Advent:
The Bright Star of Bethlehem
 See the birthplace of Christ in a new way this Advent season through the eyes of Mitri Raheb, pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, and others who tell what they have learned about being a follower of Jesus, the Bright Star of Bethlehem, in today's world. Includes devotions, worship ideas, family worship series, and activities for children. Visit the website to order! (When you order, use promo code STARS to benefit Bright Stars ministries in Bethlehem.)
The Stones Cry Out
Voices of Palestinian Christians
a film, with director Yasmine Perni
Sunday, November 3
3-5 pm
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church
1980 Dahlia at Montview Blvd, Park Hill
Sponsored by Friends of Sabeel-Colorado
 Director Yasmine Perni will be in Denver to host this screening of her new film, "The Stones Cry Out."
Christianity was born in Palestine two thousand years ago. From there it spread throughout the Middle East and to the rest of the world. Yet many are unaware Christians still live in the land. For more than 60 years the Palestinians, Christians and Muslims, have suffered displacement, expulsion, wars, occupation and oppression.
The voices of Palestinian Christians have all too often been drowned out in the turmoil of events. This is their story, in their voices, from the Nakba of 1948 until today. See more
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Youth & Family Ministry Director (part time)
Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Denver
Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Capitol Hill has identified children, youth and families as a critical ministry. We are seeking a part-time director of Youth and Family Ministry to develop a program that embraces diverse families with children from infancy to young adult. We are an urban church with a growing youth program and deep roots and outreach to our community in Capitol Hill. A job description can be emailed to interested candidates. Contact Pr Paul Carlson at
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Lutheran Disaster Relief
- St. Paul's Peace, Las Vegas, NM
- Mission Strategy Table
- Southeast CO Mission Gathering
- Zion, Loveland, CO
- Shepherd of the Hills, Fort Collins, Co
Pastor Ron Roschke
- LCM-NM Board Meeting
- Lutheran Disaster Relief
- Lutheran Advocacy-CO
- Our Saviors, Greeley, CO
Pastor Sarah Moening
- St. Paul's Peace, Las Vegas, NM
- Youth Gathering Planning
- Church Development Institute
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Mission Generosity Meeting
- Latino Strategy Table
- YAGM Event, Cristo Rey & HKBP, Denver, CO
- Church Development Institute
- Director of Evangelical Mission meetings, Chicago
Pastor Kent Mueller
- new RMS "Lutheran Center" meetings and planning
- Synod Assembly Planning
- SE Colorado Mission Gathering
- Bethany Adult Education Class
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- Legislative Committee Meeting
- Interfaith Hunger Coalition
- NM Conference of Churches
Kim Williams
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Hand in Hand
Check out three compelling stories about Lutheran schools in Central African Republic, open doors in India, and celebrating the global church, in the newest issue of Hand in Hand newsletter. Download a copy at www.ELCA.org/handinhand. Request 1-10 free copies at 800-638-3522 or RIS@elca.org. Order 11-2,000 free copies at www.ELCA.org/GlobalMission-Resources. Free shipping and handling.
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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
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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WYOMING
| submit Wyoming news or photos
Fall Bazaar at St. Luke's
Saturday, November 2
St. Luke's Lutheran Church Buffalo, WY
Join St. Luke's on November 2 for their Fall Bazaar. Shop from 9am-1pm and enjoy homemade soup and pie from 11am-1pm.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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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.
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COLORADO
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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).
 Marcus Borg & John Dominic Crossan--
Jesus and Paul: Then and Now
Jesus and Paul are the two most central figures in Christianity. Yet both have been significantly misunderstood, and sometimes even set in opposition to each other. Four lectures will develop an understanding of Jesus and Paul set in the matrix of their time and place, the first century historical context of Jesus and Judaism within Roman imperial theology and practice. Rather than being radically different, Jesus and Paul in their different settings articulated a vision of loyalty to God that was radically subversive of the conventions of dominant culture.
Friday, Nov 1 at 7 pm, and Saturday, Nov 2 at 9 am, 11 am, and 1:30 pm: Two lectures by Drs. Borg and Crossan each session, plus Q and A. Box lunch at 12:30 pm.
Sunday, Nov 3 @ 9:30 am: Worship service with a dialogue sermon by Drs. Borg and Crossan.
11 am: Adult Forum: Q and A with our speakers.
Any one lecture is $15.00. Package price: All four lectures (Friday-Saturday) and box lunch $60.
Students with I.D. $5 single lecture, $20 weekend.
more information  Climate Change & Faith Conference
American Association of Pastor Counselors:
Rocky Mountain Plains Region Conference
Polarization in Society and Congregations: Understanding and Addressing It / Committed Relationships as a Crucible for Spiritual Growth
Denver Seminary, 6399 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, Colorado
November 15 & 16, 2013
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
More information
Alternate Giving Fair , Nov. 2 & 3 in Fort Collins
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
1200 S. Taft Hill Rd, Fort Collins, CO
Shepherd of the Hills will be hosting their 12th annual Alternative Giving Fair &
Market on Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3. The Alternative Giving Fair supports Fair Trade and provides an alternative to traditional Holiday gifts. Select from beautiful, handcrafted items created by people around the world. Give a gift this season that gives back to the world. Admission is free! Download the flyer here.
Fair Trade Fair at Cross of Christ to benefit Growing Home ministry at our new RMS Lutheran Center
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church has been a ministry partner with the Growing Home ministry for homeless families for many years. Their commitment continues with their annual Fair Trade Fair in support of fair trade artisans and Growing Home. Click on the flyer graphic for more information.
Saturday, November 23
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, November 24
from 8 a.m. to noon
12099 Lowell Boulevard, Broomfield, CO
Enjoy artisan crafts, unique gifts, java bar, jewelry, pottery, baked goods, live music, and more!
Heart, Hands and Feet Academy
Exploring the Enneagram
Friday, Nov. 8 from 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
Cost: $25 per person.
Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, 6337 S. Robb Way, Littleton, CO, 80127
Brad and Rita Berglund, two extremely experienced spiritual directors, will guide you into personal examination and reflection using the Enneagram, an ancient and very effective tool for personal and group spiritual development. Each participant will gain valuable insight into his/her particular gifts, how we each perceive and relate to the world around us, what needs to be unleashed from within and how we can best use our particular gifts in service of God and others. Participants will receive dinner on Friday evening, continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and a Heart, Hands and Feet t-shirt. RSVP by Oct. 31 to Anne Harper at anneh@abidinghopelutheran.org
Workshop: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2013
10:00 a.m.1:30 p.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church (The Great Hall)
4500 E. Hampden Avenue
Denver, CO 80113
Do you know how to educate your children about keeping their bodies safe without frightening them? Please join us for an inspiring workshop: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse . . . One Community at a Time. More information and registration can be found here. Download the Flyer
Art of the Four Winds
Friday, November 15, 6-9:30 pm
Saturday, November 16, 11am-8pm
Four Winds American Indian Council
201 W. 5th Ave Denver, CO 80204
Experience a unique variety of artwork from local and nationally known Indigenous and Native American artists as they fill the Four Winds American Indian Council with one of a kind works of art. For more information please contact Thompson Williams: 720-289-8444 or ottovon56@yahoo.com. The Rocky Mountain Synod is accompanying Four Winds in their fundraising, which supports their outreach and programming.
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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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