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Greetings!
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2014 Assembly Information
May 8 - 10
 May 8 at 4:30 p.m.
New Lutheran Center Dedication
7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO
Denver, Colorado
Marriott Tech Center
Submit Assembly Requests by February 18
It's time to submit assembly requests: display table, ministry booklet, plenary time, & interest lunches. Deadline for requests is February 18. Assembly begins on May 8 with dedication of new Office of the Bishop site. Displays and sessions are May 9 & 10 at Marriott Denver Tech Center.
Seeking photo directory volunteer
Every other year, we take photos of rostered leaders at the assembly. We will need someone to help coordinate the photo area and recruit some volunteers.
Souper Bowl Challenge
for ELCA World Hunger tops $11,000!
The Rocky Mountain and Northwest Washington Synods have challenged each other to see which fans can raise the most money for ELCA World Hunger!
BRONCOS
$5,957.01
SEAHAWKS
$5,374.00
Give a donation at rmselca.org. You need not have a Paypal account. Click on "continue" near the credit card icons to use your credit card. The challenge ends when the Super Bowl ends. Thank you for your generosity!
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PRAYERS
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Presentation of our Lord
February 2 , 2014
Almighty and ever-living God, your only-begotten Son was presented this day in the temple. May we be presented to you with clean and pure hearts by the same Jesus Christ, our great high priest, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Synod Prayer Cycle: Border 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:
2/2
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey El Paso, TX
Rose Mary Sanchez-Guzman
Mount Hope El Paso, TX
Bill Bruggeman, Interim
New Hope El Paso, TX
Jeff St. Clair
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LUTHERAN CENTER PAINTING DAY
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Thank you to our Lutheran Center
Paint Day Volunteers!
Thank you to the following congregations for participating in Saturday's painting day:
- Advent
- Epiphany
- Bethany
- Cross of Christ
- Church of the Holy Spirit
- St. Stephen
- Evergreen
- Cristo Rey
We completed most of the basement in preparation for the arrival of the Growing Home families, and part of the original church office. There is still some painting left to do, so if your congregation missed out and would like to help, email Erin Power: epower@iliff.edu.
Growing Home
The basement of the church at the new Lutheran Center is used by Cross of Christ and several other churches for Growing Home, an organization in Adams County that supports temporarily homeless families. In 2013, 28 families (97 individuals, and 56 children) ALL had a warm bed to sleep in, good food, and a friendly place to be a family. Individuals interested in volunteering with Cross of Christ, email Lynn Smith. Congregations interested in partnering with this ministry, visit the Growing Home website.
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CONGREGATION CONTRIBUTIONS
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we are grateful to receive gifts
(or pledges) by February 1!
Contributions to new Office of the Bishop campaign reach $18,670
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, but gifts will be received after that date. Thus far we have received $18,670 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):
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
American, Grand Junction, CO
Prince of Peace, Gillette, WY
Zion, Montrose, CO
Our Saviour's, Salt Lake City, UT
Peace in Christ ELM, Elizabeth CO
St. Mark's, Aurora, CO
Grace, Colorado Springs, CO
First, Longmont, CO
Good Shepherd, Glenwood Springs, CO
Our Savior's, Denver, CO
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MISSION SUPPORT
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MISSION PARTNERS NEEDED!
For 2014, we are still in need of additional mission partners for the following ministries:
Christ the King - South Jordam, UT
Mision Luterana Aurora
- Aurora, CO
Mustard Seed House Churches
- Fort Collins/Loveland, CO
If you or your congregation are interested in mission partnership, please contact Rev. Stephanie Quick Espinoza at sqespinoza@rmselca.org
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Reminder checklist for leaders
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Things to do list...by February 15
___Submit Congregational Intents for 2014!
So that Synod Council can plan ahead for ministry in 2014, each congregation is asked to submit their partnership intent. An online form is available to make it easy to submit the information. Visit this link to complete the online form. Or complete and
___Submit Rostered Leader Report!
After you click on the following link, click on the "SYNODS" tab to download the report in Formatta Filler format. Link to forms page. The completed form may be emailed to Janice.
___ Submit Congregation Report A or C!
___ Take the rosterd leader health assessment!
Rostered leaders (not retired) can win the chance at 3 Fitbit health tracker/pedometers that sync with your smart phone if you take the assessment and submit your name. All links are here.
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SUICIDE PREVENTION
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Suicide Prevention Training for Congregations
Offered by Carolyn Swenson from St. Paul Lutheran Church - Denver
This free training lasts one and half hours and is appropriate for clergy, other rostered individuals and lay people. Carolyn Swenson is a family nurse practitioner, public health professional, and a certified QPR trainer. Call 303-748-0759 or send an email to cjswenson57@gmail.com to schedule training. Churches throughout the synod should feel free to request training and every effort will be made to travel to offer the training or find a local qualified trainer.
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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:
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.
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TO THE POINT
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Border Servant Corps Update
Keep current on the happenings of Border Servant Corps, a ministry serving in EL Paso, TX, and supported by the Rocky Mountain Synod. Read their monthly update here.
What will the right loan help you grow?
Are you considering a building project this year-a revitalized space that will help you grow your ministry? The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA specializes in financing church building projects. To learn more about MIF loans and investments visitmif.elca.org , call us toll-free at 877-886-3522, or contact your MIF Regional Manager, Dan Carlson, at 773-682-2943, or dan.carlson@elca.org
Church Organ Available
 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
Child care is available!
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY LIFE
Half-time position in Denver. Tasks include:
- AmeriCorps Program Coordinator
- Plan and attend weekly community nights and monthly community days
- plan and lead USC volunteer orientation, events, trainings, and retreats.
- volunteer recruitment
- fundraising and outreach activities
- liaison between volunteer community houses and Urban Servant Corps program
Contact Krista Kilgus for the complete job description.
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Spirit of Joy, Fort Collins, CO is seeking a part-time office assistant. Apply by Februrary 16. For more information email nancy@sojoyfc.org
More information
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
- Faith Advocacy Days- New Mexico
- Pre-Retirement Seminar, Bethany
- Northern Colorado Mission Gathering, Trinity, Fort Collins, CO
- Bethany, Cherry Hills Village, CO
- South Metro Conference Retreat
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Boulder/Broomfield Conference
- In Office Appointments
- Northern Colorado Mission Gathering, Trinity, Fort Collins, CO
- St. Paul, Denver,CO
- Campus Ministry Committee
Pastor Sarah Moening
- In-Office Appointments
- Extravaganza, St. Louis, MO
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- In-Office Appointments
- DEM Conference Call
- Mission Gathering Planning
- Ministry Review, Mt. Hope, El Paso, TX
Pastor Kent Mueller
- ELCA Communications Conference Call
- Lutheran Center Planning Meetings
- Assembly Planning
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
- Faith Advocacy Day New Mexico
Becky Jones (interim)
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
Kim Williams
- Deepened Discipleship Projects
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Tanzania: Water, precious water
In some places in the world, such as the semi-arid regions of Tanzania, life revolves around getting water. Fetching water can consume much of a day, and too often the water isn't clean. ELCA missionaries in Tanzania, Joe and Deborah Troester, are working to help change that. More info.
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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
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
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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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
 Utah congregations rally for solar energy projects
Today three Lutheran congregations, Shepherd of the Mountains in Park City, St. Matthew's in the West Valley of Salt Lake City, and Mt. Tabor in downtown Salt Lake City received special recognition as part of the first wave of ten communities of faith to install solar panels and/or receive the grants to install them from the Blue Sky Program of Rocky Mountain Power.Pictured are Tim Fehr and Pastor Steve Leiser (Shepherd of the Mountains), Mike Stoker (St. Matthew's) and Pastor Nichols (Mt. Tabor). The press conference was organized by Utah Interfaith Power and Light at congregation Kol Ami. These congregations invite others in Utah and beyond to see energy efficiency as discipleship. Visit www.utahipl.org.
Photo � Jeffrey Louden
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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COLORADO
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 Stewardship and Generosity Workshop
A workshop on Stewardship and Generosity by renowned stewardship author Clif Christopher is Wednesday, February 12, 2014, in Denver at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S Colorado Blvd. Check-in/Refreshments: 8:30 am, Workshop: 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. $10 per person includes lunch. Register now: click on Events at www.PresbyterianFoundation.org Clif Christopher is the author of Not Your Parents' Offering Plate: A New Vision for Financial Stewardship.
Soccer Outreach Program 
WANTED: Gym teachers, soccer players, people who want to help kids, and congregations that want to form a soccer team in the Aurora/Denver area!
We would like to apply for a grant from ELCA's Area Ministry Strategy fund to help create a soccer program in the Aurora/Denver area that would have a community impact on children and youth. Two of the sites for this potential program would be Cristo Rey-Denver and Mision Luterana-Aurora. We are looking for other congregations that would like to be possible host sites. We also need a team to put together this grant. This is a great way to provide healthy activities for children and youth in our communities and be a source of evangelical outreach. For more information, please contact Rev. Stephanie Quick Espinoza at sqespinoza@rmselca.org
Day Camp Volunteers Needed March 24-28 in Aurora Mision Luterana Aurora, a new Synodically Authorized Worshipping Commmunity (SAWC) of the Rocky Mountain Synod, is hosting a day camp for Latino children during Spring Break, March 24-28. The camp will focus on health and wellness, including cooking classes, planting seeds for a community garden, exercises and games, and more! Volunteers are needed, both adult and high school students are welcome to help! If you can help for just a few hours or the whole week, please contact mission developer, Jorge Espinoza at jorge.l.espinoza.perez@gmail.com
To learn more about Mision Luterana Aurora, check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/misionluteranaauora
Prepare/Enrich Certification Training
Thursday, February 27, 2014, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Avenue, in Cherry Hills Village. The workshop is designed to teach facilitators to administer the Prepare/Enrich Inventory, and provide both feedback and assistance to premarital and married couples. For more information, or to register, please call Beth Walker at 720.352.9915.
Social Justice Forums
Mt. Calvary, Boulder, CO
Sunday: February 2: 10:30-12:30 Roots of Injustice: Seeds of Change: Session 1:
This is a two hour interactive workshop, which works towards raising our level of knowledge of the Doctrine of Discovery, which has led to the many centuries of discrimination towards Native Peoples in the U.S. and around the world. Members of other churches and faith communities are being invited to join us, so we ask those interested to sign up ahead of time to be sure of a space.
Sunday, February 9: 10:30-11:15 Roots of Injustice: What we can do: Session 2
This will be a follow-up discussion of the issues raised by the workshop, and will hopefully lead towards Mount Calvary and other faith communities reaching out towards healing of our immigrant cultures with those of Native Peoples. This year is the 150th anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre in South Eastern Colorado, and we hope to be involved in how Boulder and the State of Colorado confronts the issues presented.
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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A faculty member of Colorado Christian University has an organ available. It has a full pedal board and bench as well. 
