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Greetings!
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It sounds so, well, 1974, but we have a new fax number, which is 303-339-4744. Actually, it's a "fax to email" number. So your faxes will be delivered to us an email to Janice. Please note clearly who the fax is for.
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
February 1 (corrected date).
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.
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
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PRAYERS
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First Sunday in Advent
December 1, 2013
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection save us from the threatening dangers of our sins, and enlighten our walk in the way of your salvation, for you
live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
Utah 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:
12/2
Ascension Ogden, UT
Matthew Muters
Ascension St. Matthew's Price, UT
James Drury
Christ the King South Jordan, UT
Scott Stein
Installation of Rev. John Maroni is Sunday at Faith Lutheran Church, Eaton, CO
We welcome Pastor John Maroni to Faith Lutheran Church in Eaton, Colorado. His service of installation will be Sunday, December 1 at 10 a.m. Pastor Sarah Moening, Synod Minister for Deepened Discipleship, will be present for the installation liturgy. He comes to us from Sandyville, OH. All are welcome to join in the celebration of our ministry together.
Odyssey Appreciation Lunch Honoring
Rev. Nelson Bock & Rev. Bonita Bock
Wednesday, December 4, 2013, 11:00-12:30
Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church
11th and Fillmore, Denver
The CHUM Leadership Team hopes all members and friends of CHUM will join this celebration in this time of reflection between Thanks and Giving. CHUM wishes to honor the work done and persons who serve our community. Together let us witness the stories of those who have traveled the spiritual path. Let us be a caring presence for each other and for our community. We look forward to hearing Bonita and Nelson's story, honoring their path and the path of the CHUM Clergy and Agency Directors in this celebration of community.
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MISSION CONGREGATION OPPORTUNITY
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please register today!
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.
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GLOBAL MISSION
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We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world - together
Thousands of ELCA members and congregations know the joy of supporting a longer-term missionary or Young Adult in Global Mission. This month, ELCA Global Church Sponsorship is sending an invitation to the remaining congregations in our synod to consider creating a covenant relationship of prayer, mutual communication and financial support for either of the following:
- Pastor Erik and Tauna Roth live in Japan where Erik, who is rostered in your synod, serves as pastor of Tokyo Lutheran Church. Check out their blog at http://etinjapan.blogspot.com/.
- Young Adults in Global Mission serving in Madagascar, your synod's international companion: Karis Ailabouni, Molly Erikson, Anna Guthrie, Thomas Heinz, Anndi Russell, Zach Stewart and Ian Stitt (from Colorado). Pastor Austin and Tanya Propst coordinate the work of these young adults. Check out their blog at https://sambatra.wordpress.com.
Please consider this invitation carefully and prayerfully as a way for your congregation to make a world of difference for God's global mission! For more information about these sponsorship opportunities, please contact globalchurch@elca.org or 800-638-3522, ext. 2657.
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TO THE POINT
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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
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CONFERENCE GATHERINGS
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Wyoming Conference Gathering
is December 7 in Casper
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.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GATHERINGS
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Middle School Youth Gathering
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MISSION INTERPRETATION
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Mission Interpreter Program to be launched by RMS Intern, Erin Power
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 Power learned of the ELCA's Mission Interpreter Ministry and saw the need and potential for a ministry like this in the Rocky Mountain Synod.
Erin 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.
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.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Administrative/Communications Assistant (Part-TIme)
All Saints Lutheran Church
Albuquerque, NM
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. 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. A complete job description can be found at www.stmarksaurora.com. If you are interested in applying, please email your resume to
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Mission Strategy Table
- Trinity, Farmington, NM
- New Mexico Council of Churches
- Madagascar Consultation
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Mission Strategy Table
- Madagascar Consultation
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Mission Strategy Table
- Installation of Pastor John Maroni, Faith, Eaton, CO
- Interim Ministry Planning
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
Pastor Kent Mueller
- RMS Centro Luterano Meetings
- Growing Home Ministry
- Mission Strategy Table
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- NM Council of Churches Retreat
Kim Williams
- Deepened Discipleship Projects
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
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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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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Deutscher Weihnachtsgottesdienst
Sunday, December 22, 2013, 5:00 p.m.
Community of Joy Lutheran Church, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
A German language Christmas Service will be held at Community of Joy Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico on Sunday, December 22, 2013, at 5:00 p.m.
The Rev. Michael Bastian, German born Pastor at Community of Joy, will deliver the sermon and lead through the service in the German language. Traditional Christmas hymns and music will be provided.
We welcome all visitors to our church for this special event and fellowship after the service. Invite your parents, bring your children. Spread the word to any of your friends who have connections to Germany and the German language and join us for this wonderful Christmas celebration.
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.
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COLORADO
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Operation Turkey Sandwich Volunteers Needed:
House For All Sinners and Saints
This is their fifth year making Thanksgiving lunches to hand out to folks who have to work on Thanksgiving. Last year they delivered 1000 and this year they are shooting for more. They make fresh turkey sandwiches and put them in a lunch sack with mayo, mustard, salt & pepper, a pumpkin cookie and stuffing muffin. You can help by cooking or baking; assembling lunches, or driving around handing them out (super fun!). They need lots of people who can contribute turkeys, batches of stuffing muffins, and batches of pumpkin cookies.
Electronic sign-up form and recipes
December 5, 2013 7:30pm - Thursday
Lakewood Cultural Center, Lakewood, CO
470 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226
The Lutheran Chorale will present it's traditional concert at the Lakewood Cultural Center on
Thursday, December 5. It is called, "Welcome, Joyous Season.
For more information, contact the Lakewood Cultural Center at (303) 987-7845.
Tickets through the Lakewood Cultural Center.
Community Organizing Training with Ernesto Cortez, Jr.
Tuesday, December 3
Iliff School of Theology
Ernesto Cort�s, Jr. is a nationally renowned community organizer and trainer, and has been instrumental in the building of over 30 local, broad-based organizations as part of the largest and longest-standing network of local faith and community-based organizations in the United States, the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF). These local organizations achieve lasting change by creating new capacity in a community for leadership development, citizen-led action, and relationships across the lines that often divide communities.
RSVP Requested: Please email Dr. Jenny Whitcher at JWhitcher@iliff.edu.
Download Flyer
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!
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Synod Minister for Connected Community
Rocky Mountain Synod
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-339-4744
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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