On January 5, four ELCA churches in the Southwest Metro Conference led a joint prayer service for "re-entry" at Arapahoe High School for those impacted by the tragedy of December 13 and the days following.  Anyone connected to AHS (students, staff, families, community members) were invited through the conference congregations. 

The service liturgy was framed around Gather, Word, Meal and Sending, the four movements of worship. The gathered community travelled to four stations at various doors of the high school. Each station contained scripture, prayers and a tangible item (annointing, rocks, bread, candles) with blessings for the journey. 

Eighty people were in attendance and found strength in community and prayer. The objective was to create a safe space to claim God's presence and a new reality prior to the return to school. It was a beautiful collaboration between clergy and staff of four south metro congregations: St. Philip, Holy Trinity, Christ, and Bethany.

Designate your "Thrivent Choice Dollars"
for the Rocky Mountain Synod

If you are eligible to participate in Choice Dollars, or are uncertain about your eligibility, visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice. Or Contact your local Thrivent Financial representative.

Choice Dollars designated to eligible benefit members in 2013 must be directed by March 31, 2014.

Thrivent Action Teams

Thrivent also has in place a new program whereby a Thrivent member can apply for Action Dollars as seed money for a fundraiser or educational event.  Each grant is for $250. More information. Limit of two grants per year per Thrivent member.

organization) to attend this annual gathering which will begin at 12:30 pm at La Fonda in Santa Fe.

They will be celebrating their 30th anniversary! Rocky Mountain Synod Bishop Jim Gonia will speak at the luncheon and will also share a message with us during the Issues Briefing in the morning prior to the luncheon. The day will begin at 9:00 am at Christ Lutheran Church (1701 Arroyo Chamiso) with registration, fellowship and an opportunity to learn more about the issues for which Lutheran Advocacy Ministry will be advocating throughout 2014.

The cost of the luncheon is $30 person ($25 per person when 4 or more people from a congregation or organization make reservations together). If you are only attending the morning issues briefing, the cost is $5.  

or info@lutheranadvocacynm.org to make reservations. The deadline for reservations is January 24.

Conference Mission Gatherings

Interested in joining a traveling group going to Nicaragua June 10-20, 2014? The Nicaragua Project Mission Trip is under the auspices of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greeley and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont. Originally from Nicaragua, Pastor Abe Gonzales from Immanuel is the leader. The group will bring  hope to the people of Somoto, Nicaragua by building houses, sponsoring the Ninos Y Ninas Children's Center, running medical clinics, provide water filters, sponsor a Mother's House, sponsor scholarships to youth trying to go to school and college, and also sponsor Microloans.

An information meeting is January 24 at 6pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont, beginning with a potluck dinner. Visit http://thenicaraguaproject.org for more information and be sure to look for the Colorado trip. They are in special need of dentists this year! But all are welcome � nurses, construction workers, VBS leaders, and many other jobs to be done. Fundraisers are also needed!

If you are interested, please visit the website and look at the handbook for detailed information. Or call Susan Kent at 303-736-2501.

Communicators needed in the global church! If you have writing, website and other communication skills, there may be a position for you in Kenya, Nicaragua, Malaysia or South Africa. Our companion churches in these countries are seeking communication experts. Go Here and type "communications" in the "keywords" window.