|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
| |
Gifts invited towards new Office of the Bishop location
So that we may, together, "Shine God's Future" at the new site of the Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop, monetary gifts are invited from congregations, conferences, and individuals for furnishings, art, liturgical items, landscaping, plants, media, and more. So that we may plan carefully, we ask that gifts (or pledges) be received by
December 15.
Our goal is an average of $365 ($1 a day) from each of our 165 congregations. Larger congregations have the capacity to reach that goal more easily and may choose to give more since some congregations will give less.
Courtyard bricks will express our gratitude to each congregation for the gifts received. Read more and download the bulletin insert. Give a contribution as a Christmas gift and print a card to give to announce the donation. Learn more and give an online gift on the RMS website.
We expect to move into the new location in early spring. For
Lutheran Disaster Response representatives
to visit fire and flood sites this week
 The Rocky Mountain Synod and Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains will be hosting a three-day tour of Colorado disaster sites with Michael Stadie and Joseph Chu of Lutheran Disaster Response next week.
On Wednesday, November 20, they will be visiting fire sites in Black Forest. A lunch meeting for area pastors will be Wednesday, November 20, 11:30 AM, at Famous Dave's BBQ, 8330 Razorback Road (adjacent to I-25 and North Academy exit). Call the RMS office if you plan to attend.
On Thursday, November 21, they will look at flood sites. Later that day, two opportunities are scheduled for the team to meet with area rostered leaders and lay persons working with the disasters.
There will be a lunch meeting (lunch will be provided) at Atonement Lutheran Church, 685 Inca Parkway, Boulder, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 21. Please let the Office of the Bishop know if you will be attending so that we can have sufficient food.
A second meeting will be taking place Thursday, November 21 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1800 21st Ave, Greeley, beginning at 3:30 pm. These meetings will give us a chance to share our stories and learn more about how Lutheran Disaster Response works to provide long-term recovery and support. We hope you will be able to join us.
100% of gifts given to Lutheran Disaster Response towards Colorado Flood assistance help people in need. The same is true for gifts given directly to the Rocky Mountain Synod.
Ministry Opportunities:
SEEKING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado
Applications due by January 15,2014
This position is one of two state-based advocacy ministries
of the ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod, the other being in New
Mexico. The two directors are expected to work collaboratively as an extension of the RMS Office of the Bishop, not only for the sake of their respective state-based ministries but for the sake of the whole synod and church.
View the entire job description and qualifications
SEEKING FLOOD RELIEF COORDINATOR
Rocky Mountain Synod
Applications due by November 22
The Flood Disaster Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Synod will be a temporary (one-year) half-time staff position funded by a grant from Lutheran Disaster Response. We ask for applications to be submitted to the Office of the Bishop by November 22, 2013.
|
|
PRAYERS
|
Christ the King Sunday
November 24, 2013
O God, our true life, to serve you is freedom, and to know you is unending joy. We worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory. Abide with us, reign in us, and make this world into a fit habitation for your divine majesty, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
RMS Bishop and Staff
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:
11/24
Bishop James Gonia
Sarah Moening
Stephanie Quick Espinoza
Ron Roschke
Kent Mueller
Ruth Hoffman
Cheryl Almquist
Janice Ladd-Horkey
Kim Williams
Erin Power, Intern
Installation of Rev. Stephanie Kopsch
Sunday, November 24, in Dillon, CO
The installation of Rev. Stephanie Kopsch will be this Sunday, November 24, 3:00 pm at Lord of the Mountains, Dillon, CO. Bishop Gonia will be presiding. The color of the day is white.
|
Super Typhoon Haiyan
One of the most powerful storms ever recorded, Super Typhoon Haiyan, crashed across the central islands of the Philippines. With winds of over 200 miles per hour and torrential rains, it has caused massive destruction, loss of lives and forced millions of people to flee their homes.
Your help is needed to make a difference in affected areas. Through partnerships and as a member of ACT Alliance, Lutheran Disaster Response is responding to the most urgent needs of food, water, clothing, shelter, sleeping material and medicine. Possible assistance may also include helping those whose livelihood of fishing or farming has been destroyed.
Gifts designated to "Pacific Typhoon Response" will be used in full - 100 percent - to help with immediate and long-term need. Your generous offerings of prayer and financial support will help those affected as they journey to recover.
|
|
|
MISSION CONGREGATION OPPORTUNITY
|
Two Advent Dinners offer opportunity to learn about RMS Mission Congregations
Please join us at an Advent Dinner as a time to learn more about our mission congregations in the Rocky Mountain Synod.
December 1 from 6-8 pm: Misi�n Luterana Aurora
Hosted by: St. Mark's Lutheran Church
111 Del Mar Circle, Aurora, CO 80011
- free meal with tamales and a Christmas cookie bar!
- time to play Advent & Navidad trivia with prizes!
- silent auction of Nativities from around the world
- quilt raffle
Proceeds raised are for the ministries of Misi�n Luterana Aurora. Please register online by November 29.
December 8 from 6-8 pm: Cristo Rey and Well of Hope
Hosted By: Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey
501 Raleigh Street, Denver, CO 80204
- free Mexican meal, dessert bar, and sangria!
- music and dance presentations
- time to play Loteria with prizes!
- silent auction of gift baskets.
Proceeds raised are for the ministries of Cristo Rey & Well of Hope. Please register online by December 6.
|
|
TO THE POINT
|
ELCA launches new website
The new ELCA.org website was launched on Monday, Nov. 18. The launch is the culmination of extensive planning and implementation, during which the ELCA communications staff gathered input from a wide range and number of colleagues, constituents and end users from across this church. Visit the new elca.org website now.
Office of the Bishop Eucharist is Second Wednesday
We invite you to join us the second Wednesday of each month for a staff/community Eucharist Service at 11:30am at the Office of the Bishop. We are inviting area rostered leaders to lead these worship opportunities. December 11 will be led by Pastor Sara Wirth. If you are interested in leading worship January 18, Please email Erin Power.
Rainbow Trail announces 2014 trips
November 22 is deadline for members
to enroll in or waive health benefits
|
|
CONFERENCE GATHERINGS
|
Mark your calendar for Fall & Winter 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 listed below. Please register at least 5 days prior to each event so arrangements may be made for meals or snacks.
SAT DEC 7 Wyoming from 10a.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.
|
|
MISSION INTERPRETATION
|
Mission Interpreter Program to be launched by RMS Intern, Erin Power
Erin Power is a Master of Divinity student at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO, and will graduate in June. She is currently working as a Diaconal Ministry Intern at the Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop, serving in the areas of hospitality and communication.
Diaconal Ministers are called to a ministry of Word and Service, intentionally serving in areas that seek to connect the Church and the World. As part of the ELCA candidacy process, all Diaconal Ministers must complete a Diaconal Ministry Project.
Recently, Erin learned of the ELCA's Mission Interpreter Ministry and saw the need and potential for a ministry like this in the Rocky Mountain Synod.
Gathering together for various events, RMS Bishop Jim Gonia often notes that "it is good to be church together." And yet, how many do not know the stories-our stories-of who we are and what do together as God's hands in the world? Mission Interpreters are members of congregations who are passionate about telling those stories. Together they tell our stories, connect us to one another, and inspire others to be a part of our mission together in Christ. Watch for more information about how you can volunteer to be the Mission Interpreter in your congregation.
|
|
YOUTH GATHERINGS
|
 Senior High Youth Gathering is November 22-24!
Our prayers go with all travelling to the Senior High Youth Gathering: The Wonder of it all.
Middle School Youth Gathering
is January 17-19!
|
|
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
|
Administrative/Communications Assistant (Part-TIme)
All Saints Lutheran Church
Albuquerque, NM
The Administrative/Communications Assistant plays a key role supporting church ministries with administrative and internal communication and publishing services. Works under general supervision, with a degree of creativity and latitude required. Strong interpersonal skills and discretion a must. Excellent internet, email, and office software program skills required, and experience with desktop publishing software desired. For full job description contact church or submit resumes, cover letter and personal or professional references to All Saints Lutheran Church, aslc_aslc@comcast.net, or 4800 All Saints Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, no later than November 18, 2013.
Organist and Choir Director
Christ the King, Denver, CO
Christ the King Lutheran Church in Southwest Denver is seeking a part-time organist and choir director, to begin January 1, 2014. Duties would include one Sunday service, weekly choir rehearsals and special services. The organ is a Rodgers (non-digital), 3 manuals electric. Interested persons should submit a resume to:
Beth Leith
Chair, Search Committee
c/o CTK Lutheran Church
2300 S. Patton Court
Denver, CO 80219
Or by email to:
ctklutherandenver@gmail.com
subj - music director position
Office Manager
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Aurora, CO
St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Aurora, Colorado, is seeking an Office Manager to serve approximately 30 hours per week. The Office Manager supports the ministry of St. Mark's Lutheran church by working with the Pastor and other members of the church performing administrative and clerical duties. A complete job description can be found at www.stmarksaurora.com. If you are interested in applying, please email your resume to
|
|
 |
|
|
Bishop Jim Gonia
- Region 2 Mobility Conference
- LDR Flood Visits
- Rejoice, Erie, CO
- Sr. High Youth Gathering
- Atonement, Boulder, CO
- Installation of Rev. Stephanie Kopsch
Pastor Ron Roschke
- LDR Flood Visits
- Red Cliff, CO, Ministry
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Mobility Conference
- Sr. High Youth Gathering
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Mobility Conference
- Camino de Vida, Albuquerque, NM
- Latino Strategy Table
- Messiah Community Church, Denver, CO
- Mission Strategy Table
Pastor Kent Mueller
- RMS Centro Luterano Meetings
- Synod Assembly Planning
- Prince of Peace, Denver, CO
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- NM Conference of Churches
- Health Care for All
- Santa Fe Interfaith Social Justice Advocacy Training
- Vacation
Kim Williams
- Deepened Discipleship Projects
|
| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Syria: Refugee aid goes beyond material needs
Personal safety is a concern for many of the approximately 125,000 Syrians in the Za'atri refugee camp in Jordan. Besides material aid, your donations to Lutheran Disaster Response address this concern by helping to raise awareness about such threats as gender-based violence. See
www.ELCA.org/Syria-programs.
|
QUICK LINKS
|
SOCIAL SERVICES
HEALTH CARE MINISTRY
SERVANT CORPS OUTDOOR MINISTRY
|
| 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
|
|
|
|
|
NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
|
Cristo Rey, El Paso, invites contributions
towards holiday outreach ministries
 Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey and CEPCO (Central El Paso Community Organization) are putting together 90 Christmas food baskets for the families in thier After School Program. They are are also planning their annual "Posadas" where 200 to 300 people come to reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph and later celebrate with Mariachis, the traditional Mexican Christmas meal. Cristo Rey, El Paso, invites your contributions towards their holiday ministries.
See the list of needed items here.
Please send your donation or gift cards to Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey and put in the memo: "Christmas Projects." They will use your money where most needed for the projects. The address is 1010 East Yandell Drive El Paso, TX 79902.
Thank You for any assistance you can provide! If you have any questions please contact Rev. Rose Mary S�nchez-Guzm�n at 915.422-6545 (Pastor), Pat Marruffo at 915.203-8258 (Secretary) or Ceci Herrera (Director for Central El Paso Community Organization) at 915.544-6545.
You are invited to the Christmas Posadas
 Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey Saturday, December 14th @ 5:30 p.m. 1010 East Yandell Drive Las Posadas will begin at the Church 1010 E. Yandell where the Christmas Play and the Service will take place. The meal, Mariachis, Pi�ata, and celebration will be at 915 Florence at 7:00 p.m. Cost is $10 per person, but free for people who make donations for this event! Please reserve your ticket soon! For more information call Pat & Rose Mary @ 544-6545 or 422-6545.
|
|
COLORADO
|
Colorado Gives Day
is Tuesday, December 10
Support the ministries of RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP through the Community First Foundation on Colorado Gives Day, December 10, 2013. You can make a huge difference in Rainbow Trail's ministry by providing funds for camperships, summer staff salaries, site improvements, and much, much more. Mark your Calendars: December 10, 2013. 24 hours to Give Where You Live!
LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES ROCKY MOUNTAINS is also reminding you of this annual opportunity to give through the Community First Foundation and help to provide Healing, Strength and HOPE in our Colorado community! LFS will graciously receive gifts given on Colorado Gives Day!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
