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Greetings!
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Seeking a volunteer (who knows Adobe Dreamweaver) to assist with RMS website
We are seeking a web steward who can donate a couple hours a week to keeping the Rocky Mountain Synod and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado websites up-to-date. We use Adobe Dreamweaver. If you have some expertise and some time, please send an email to Kent Mueller at kmueller@rmselca.org.
More volunteers needed!
Painting Day at the new Lutheran Center Site is January 25
location: 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO, 80221 map
 We have special need for volunteer painters on Saturday, January 25, beginning at 9 a.m. We will be painting the basement and other areas of the former Valley Lutheran Church. (Later in the spring we are planing an exterior painting day!) Our thanks to THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS for providing an Action Grant for paint!
Please bring rollers and brushes if you have them, and lunch will be provided! Email Erin Power (epower@iliff.edu) with questions . This is a great opportunity for your congregation to be involved with the ministry at the the new RMS Lutheran Center!
Sharing together in Ministry:
Intents for 2014
As your congregation prepares a budget for 2014, please consider the following questions:
- How does your congregation share a living, daring confidence in God's grace?
- How does your congregation express gratitude for God's grace?
- How does your congregation practice generosity?
- How does your congregation teach members about proportionate giving as a grateful and generous response to God's blessings?
- Do your members understand how the three expressions of this church (congregation, synod and churchwide ministries) work together to share God's love in the world?
- What portion of your congregation's weekly offerings will be shared with the synod and churchwide ministries for mission beyond your congregation?
Learn more about how God is changing lives through the ELCA by visiting www.livinglutheran.com/stories.
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RMS DISASTER RELIEF
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We welcome Brea Hapken as RMS Disaster Relief Coordinator
 Brea Hapken says she is "excited and blessed by this opportunity to serve alongside you as we continue to recover from the flooding that took place in Colorado." She is the new one-half time disaster relief coordinator provided by Lutheran Disaster Response, to continue long-term recovery, including coordinating work groups this summer. Brea graduated from Colorado State University in 2004 with a BS in Health and Exercise Science and a minor in Coaching. Her need for travel and adventure took her to Mexico working with Athletes In Action and Campus Crusade for Christ. She joined the United States Marine Corps in 2009 and for the past four years has been on active duty stationed in Okinawa, Japan. During that time she was deployed to Afghanistan for seven-months and she recently left active duty in July 2013 but will remain in the Marine Corps Reserves for the next several years. She is currently a coach for a freshman girl's basketball team and also a coach at a CrossFit gym in Thornton. "When the floods first hit Colorado it was devastating to watch and I wanted to help in any way possible," Brea said. "After aiding in the clean up of the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina and being the first Marine Corps unit to provide aid in Japan during the 2011 earthquake/tsnumai, I believe my experience and skills can contribute in the recovery efforts of today." Brea is a member of House for all Sinners and Saints in Denver. We welcome Brea's ministry, passion, and expertise!
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PRAYERS
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Second Sunday after Epiphany, January 19, 2014
Holy God, our strength and our redeemer, by your Spirit hold us forever, that through your grace we may worship you and faithfully serve you, follow you and joyfully find you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
Metro West
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:
1/19
Advent Westminster, CO
Barb Martens
Tom Lange (interim)
Lord of the Valley Granby, CO
Brian Bergum
Lutheran Church of Grace Craig, CO
Bain White (ECUSA)
Mount of the Holy Cross Vail, CO
Scott Beebe
Shepherd of the Valley Grand Junction, CO
Ron Powers
St. Andrew Arvada, CO
Bev Piro (Interim)
Middle School Youth Gathering
 As our middle school youth and their leaders gather this weekend in Colorado Springs, we pray for safe travels, for God's presence among them as they worship, learn, serve, and fellowship together as a community. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
January 18-25 Gracious God, you sent your son Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit to redeem your people. Unite us in our diversity, that we might affirm and proclaim together the good news of the life, death and resurrection of Christ for a world in need of his gospel. Amen. Worship and Prayer resources for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity can be found here.
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CONGREGATION CONTRIBUTIONS
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Contributions to new Office of the Bishop campaign reach $11,370!
 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. Thus far we have received $11,370 towards our goal of $60,000.
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 and print a card to give to announce the donation. Learn more and give an online gift on the RMS website or click below: 
A Paypal account is not needed.
On payment page, click on "continue" for a credit card gift.
OUR THANKS.! New gifts were received this week from congregations and ministries (gifts from individuals will be acknowledged later):
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp
Lutheran Social Services of Utah
Christ Lutheran Church, Santa Fe, NM
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LUFTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY
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Put your faith into action:
Monday, Feb. 17 (Presidents' Day)
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at History Colorado, 1200 Broadway
(free parking on the street that day)
register now!
Our theme this year is
Moral Choices
: Deficit Reduction/Protecting the Poor.
Our keynote speaker will be Ellen Teller, director of government affairs for Food Research and Action Center, the leading national nonprofit organization working to improve public-private partnerships and eradicate hunger in the United States.
We'll also have a panel discussion about how deficit reduction is specifically affecting the poor in Colorado, with cutbacks in food stamps, subsidized housing and other benefit programs.
Registration cost is $30 by Wednesday, Feb. 12, and includes lunch. A low-income/student rate of $20 is available as well.
Online registration will be available next week.
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ELCA WORLD HUNGER
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Mail in World Hunger Appeal Contributions by January 24
To make sure your congregation's contributions are credited to fiscal year 2013, those dollars have to be received by the ELCA World Hunger office before the end of January.
Mail your checks (with the congregation clearly indicated) to either:
The Rocky Mountain Synod, 455 Sherman Street Suite 160, Denver, CO 80203
OR
ELCA World Hunger, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, Illinois 60631.
New Hunger Resources Coming Soon!
Watch for these resources designed to help you tell the story of ELCA World Hunger in a variety of ways:
Into the Wild: A Lenten Liturgy and Intergenerational Study on Hunger. T his five-part program follows the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and explores what it means to live out our baptismal faith in a world filled with hunger, suffering and hope. Available late in January.
Act 2Day 4Tomorrow. This lock-in resource brings youth together to learn about the role they can play in eradicating hunger and poverty in the world. Available late in January.
Food for a Week. A hunger simulation activity that will give members of your congregation, or youth group, a very personal, interactive experience about hunger in the United States. Available in February.
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NEW MEXICO BISHOP'S LUNCHEON
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NM Bishop's Luncheon & Issues Briefing - January 28
The annual Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Bishop's Legislative Luncheon will be Tuesday, January 28. Make plans to attend and be sure to make your reservation (or a reservation for a group from your congregation or 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. Please contact Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM (505-984-8005
or info@lutheranadvocacynm.org to make reservations. The deadline for reservations is January 24.
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TO THE POINT
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10-minute Webinars Equip Leaders
The Gulf Coast Synod and the SW Texas Synod are working together topresent a series of 10 minute webinars, 1 per month, aimed at equipping council leaders. View the resources online. They are free, but you need to register the first time to access them. The first topic: "God has called you into leadership in God�s church. Now what?
 Piano for Sale
The upright Monarch 1912 piano that has been on loan to the Office of the Bishop is for sale. Beautiful Mahogany cabinet. Rich sound, Recently tuned. $2500. Questions, or to discuss an offer, please call Linda Staats 602-740-3752
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. February 12 will be our next worship service.
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CONFERENCE GATHERINGS
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Conference Mission Gatherings
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 FEB 1 North Colorado from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Trinity in Fort Collins
Continental Breakfast / suggested donation of $5
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NICARAGUA MISSION TRIP
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Join the Nicaragua Mission Trip this summer!
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.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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WORSHIP KEYBOARDIST
Saint Peter Lutheran Church, Greenwood Village, CO, is seeking a keyboardist to help lead worship. A full job description is available online or contact Steve Howie, minister of music at showie@stplc.org if you are interested in this opportunity.
More information
YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTER (FULL TIME)
Augustana Lutheran Church, Denver, Colorado, is seeking a leader for faith formation and faith practices from baptism to adulthood. To apply, send cover letter and resume to Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 East Alameda Avenue, Denver, CO 80236. Applications may also be sent via facsimile to 303.388.1338 or by e-mail to info@augustanadenver.org
More information
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Christ the King, Colorado Springs, CO
- Lutheran Disaster Relief
- RMS Lutheran Center Visioning Meeting
- Middle School Youth Gathering
- Journey of Renewal Retreat
Pastor Ron Roschke
- LAM-CO
- Four Winds Meeting
- Lutheran Disaster Relief
- RTLC Board Meeting
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Mount Calvary, Colorado Springs, CO
- Christ the King, Colorado Springs, CO
- Trinity, Loveland, CO
- Middle School Youth Gathering
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Four Winds Meeting
- RMS Lutheran Center Visioning Meeting
- Camino de Vida, Albuquerque, NM
- St Paul's, Albuquerque, NM
Pastor Kent Mueller
- RMS Centro Luterano Meetings
- Lord of the Mountains, Centennial, CO
- RMS Lutheran Center Visioning Meeting
- Assembly Planning
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
- Plaza del Monte Community
- Fairness Coalition
- Healthcare for All
- NM Association of Food Banks
- Peace, Las Cruces, MN
- Las Cruces Unitarian Church, Las Cruces, NM
Kim Williams
- Deepened Discipleship Projects
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Climate change creates great global need
People living in poverty around the world are affected the most by climate change, said Mary
Minette, ELCA director for environmental education and advocacy while attending a recent conference on global climate change. Providing aid after the typhoon that struck the
Philippines is just one example of how the ELCA is committed to supporting people around
the world who live in poverty and are affected by extreme weather events. More.
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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 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
SEPTEMBER 7
2014 God's Work Our Hands Sunday
SEPTEMBER 22-25
2014 Theological Conference
Marriott Hotel
Colorado Springs, Colorado
NOVEMBER 21-23
2014 Senior High Youth Gathering
YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, Colorado
NEW DATES ADDED FOR 2015!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
2015
JANUARY 16-18
2015 Middle School Youth Gathering
Elegante Hotel & Conference Center
(new name for the Crowne Plaza!)
Colorado Springs, Colorado
MAY 1-3
2015 Synod Assembly
Sheraton Hotel
Salt Lake City, Utah
SEPTEMBER 21-24
2015 Theological Conference
YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, Colorado
NOVEMBER 20-22
2014 Senior High Youth Gathering
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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COLORADO
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Beyond Divorce: Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends
This seminar will begin TONIGHT, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch. The seminar is from 6:30 to 8:30 PM each Tuesday for 10 weeks. Complementary child care is available. For more information please contact Beth Walker at 720.352.9915 or bethdwalker@gmail.com.
James Hersch Concert
Thursday, January 23, 7pm
King of Kings
2561 Vinewood Lane, Pueblo, CO
Join King of Kings for a Coffee House style night of music. Admission is FREE! James Hersch is an acclaimed song-writer, singer & guitarist who has built a repertoire of music that puts him squarely on the edge of acoustic music's importance in our culture. He offers a rare mixture of straight-forward music,talent, humor & sensitivity that create songs which speak to our common life experience, making his music appeal to people of all ages. Download the flyer here.
Teens of the rockies Encounter Christ: TrEC # 20
TrEC is an awesome, music-filled, surprise-packed, and a whole-lot-of-fun retreat weekend for high school teens between the ages 14-19. TrEC # 20 is Presidents' Weekend, Feb 15 - Feb 17, 2014, at Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, Littleton CO. The cost of the weekend is $55, and sponsorships are available. Visit the TrEC website for applications, or send an e-mail . Come join other teens from across the state for the TrEC of your lifetime!
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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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