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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.
Super Bowl Challenge
for ELCA World Hunger raises $40,533.68
The Rocky Mountain and Northwest Washington Synods challenged each other to see which fans could raise the most money for ELCA World Hunger! The results are amazing and generous! Over $40,000 was raised in one week! We received 433 donations! Thank you!
BRONCOS
$22,857.70
SEAHAWKS
$17,675.98
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PRAYERS
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Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
February 9 , 2014
link to texts, prayers, and art for this coming Sunday
Lord God, with endless mercy you receive the prayers of all who call upon you. By your Spirit show us the things we ought to do, and give us the grace and power to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
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:
2/9
Our Savior Alamogordo, NM
Rick Green
Randy Pabst
Dalene Rogers
Jonathan Hundt
Erin Dunlavy to be ordained February 16 at King of Glory, Arvada, CO
Erin Dunlavy has received a call to be the pastor of Maria Lutheran Church in Hershey, NE, and Grace Lutheran Church in Sutherland, NE. Ordination will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Arvada, CO. The color of the day is red and pastors are invited to vest. A reception follows. All are invited! We celebrate with Erin, an ordination candidate from the Rocky Mountain Synod.
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PAINTING DAY #2
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 February 22 is next painting day at the Lutheran Center
We got a great start on some painting and projects at the new Lutheran Center. The next day is scheduled for February 22 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Thanks!
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CONGREGATION CONTRIBUTIONS
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Contributions to new Office of the Bishop campaign reach $30,009
Monetary gifts are invited from congregations, conferences, and individuals for furnishings, art, liturgical items, landscaping, plants, media, and more. Thus far we have received $30,009 towards our goal of $60,000. Thank you for your generosity!
 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 or pledges were received this week from congregations and ministries (gifts from individuals will be acknowledged later):
Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Denver, CO
Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, CO
Atonement Lutheran Church, Lakewood, CO
King of Glory Lutheran Church, Loveland, CO
St. Philip Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO
Bethel Lutheran Church, Windsor, CO
UNC Campus Ministry, Greeley, CO
Joy Lutheran Church, Parker, CO
Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, Denver, CO
King of Kings Lutheran Church, Pueblo, CO
Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills, CO
Augustana Lutheran Church, 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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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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RMS WOMEN'S ORGANIZATION
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Metro East Cluster Spring Brunch
Saturday, March 22, 2014 9:30 to Noon
Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church
21755 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Centennial, CO 80015
Registration $5 per person, payable at door. Deadline for registration is March 10. Please register with Pat Billington in the LOTH office at 303-617-9884. Childcare will be available, with reservation, for a free-will donation to the LOTH Youth Mission Trips.
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LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION
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One Year to Live: Men's Retreat
YMCA Camp Santa Maria
Grant, Colorado
Men of all ages who yearn for real friendships and a
closer relationship with Christ, this 45-hour experience will be genuine, spiritual, challenging, and adventurous. 5:30 p.m. Friday through 3 p.m. on Sunday.
A previous participant said, "Like most men I used to have only passing conversations with other men at church. Now I have brothers in Christ."
Download the brochure for more information.
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TO THE POINT
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Christian Faith and Science in Today's World
The Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science, and Technology (LAFST) has a new website: www.luthscitech.org. LAFST provides resources for Lutherans -indeed all Christians-living in a scientific world. That means all of us! Get in on the excitement and check
 out the new website, including links to the monthly journal, "Covalence." AFST is an independent Lutheran organization affiliated with the ELCA, and welcomes participation by pastors, theologians, scientists, science educators, and lay members interested in the faith-science dialogue.
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. Contact Kent Mueller to volunteert: kmueller@rmselca.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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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
COMMUNITY LIFE COORDINATOR
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 information.
Complete job description.
Director of Youth and Family Ministries
First Lutheran in Colorado Springs
Grades 6 through 12
Full-time position
more information
Part-Time Youth Director
All Saints Lutheran Church (ASLC) in Aurora Colorado
Part time Youth Director (10-12 hours per week)
more information
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- South Metro Conference Retreat
- Four Winds, Denver, CO
- Synod Council
- Our Savior's, Fort Collins, CO
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Four Winds, Denver, CO
- Synod Council
- St. Paul, Denver, CO
- Western LCM Staff Retreat
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Extravaganza, St. Louis, MO
- Campus Ministry
- Four Winds, Denver, CO
- Synod Council
- St. Paul, Sugar City, CO
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Four Winds, Denver, CO
- Synod Council
- St. Mark's Aurora, CO
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Lutheran Center Planning Meetings
- Assembly Planning
- Four Winds, Denver, CO
- Synod Council
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
Becky Jones (interim)
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
Kim Williams
- Deepened Discipleship Projects
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
China: ELCA walks hand in hand with Chinese Christians
The Protestant church in China is growing fast in both urban and rural areas. More Chinese are in church on a given Sunday than in all of Europe. For recent photos of how the ELCA accompanies the growing church in China, see www.ELCA.org/Living-Lutheran/Photos and scroll down to the Dec. 16 post.
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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
Celebrating a Marriage
reflections by Pastor Jeffrey Louden...
 It was a big big day for Liz Davis and Shiela Raboy on Monday, December 23 at the Salt Lake County Courthouse. But really it had begun seven years earlier, on Transfiguration Sunday, when they unofficially celebrated their relationship in their home with a ceremony.
On Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, 10th Circuit Court Judge Robert Shelby, in Denver, struck down the Utah law banning same sex marriage. Then the wheels started to spin. Liz and Shiela asked me to come down to the courthouse. They left early, 6 a.m. with their daughters. By the time I arrived at 8:30 a.m., there were 600 couples in line, snaked around and inside the building. A festive atmosphere pervaded the courthouse. Classical music was being played. Coffee and snacks were freely shared. People hooped and hollered, and shared their stories as they received their marriage licenses. Liz and Shiela received theirs (pictured here) at 11:30 a.m.
The legality of the marriages and of the Utah law is as of now being contested in the United States Supreme Court. Liz and Shiela are both members of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran in Park City served by Pastor Steve Leiser.
Photo by Jeffrey Louden
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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2014 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
Bishop's Luncheon & Issues Briefing
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The Chris and John Haaland Advocacy Award was presented to St. Paul member Ivan Westergaard. The group photo includes members of the Haaland family, Ivan, and members of his family (including at the right his wife, Linda FitzGerald).
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The annual Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Bishop's Luncheon and Issues Briefing was last week. Over 100 Lutheran, ecumenical and interfaith advocates attended the briefing to learn more about issues related to our 2014 Advocacy Agenda.
The Bishop's Luncheon was attended by about 165 people who helped celebrate the 30th anniversary of LAM-NM. Ivan Westergaard, a long-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, received the first ever Chris and John Haaland Advocacy Award. This award was created in honor of the late Chris and John Haaland who were very instrumental in the formation of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM.
Roger Madalena was honored as the 2014 Legislator of the Year. He has served in the state legislature for over 30 years and is Chairman of the House Health, Government & Indian Affairs Committee and is Co-Chair of the interim Legislative Health & Human Services Committee. Rep. Madalena is a member of Jemez Pueblo and has championed Native American issues.
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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 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.
2014 Evolution Weekend at Messiah Community Church
February 9, 2014
Messiah Community Church is the only Lutheran Church in Colorado to participate in this annual event, now in its ninth year. After the worship service with an evolutionary creation story, the congregation will have an adult forum with Dr. Nicole Garneau, Chair of Health Sciences Department & Curator of Human Health at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Dr. Garneau's talk is entitled "A Taste of Evolution," and will use the sense of taste as a way to show how DNA and evolution are personally relevant to our everyday lives as humans. Evolution Weekend is an opportunity for serious discussion and reflection on the relationship between religion and science. If you want to know more, and/or want to get involved, visit this website. You are also welcome to call Rev Dr. Wolfgang Stahlberg at Messiah: 303-355-4471.
Alumni Day of Lectures at Iliff School of Theology
Friday, February 7, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Featuring Lecturers:
- Rev. Dr. Tom Wolfe - President, Chief Executive Officer
- Dr. Carrie Doehring - Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling
- Dr. Pam Eisenbaum - Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Origins
- Dr. Katherine Turpin - Associate Dean for Curriculum and Assessment, Associate Professor of Religious Education
$25/person - Lunch & Lectures
Dates: Wednesday - Friday, February, 7, 2014
Location: Iliff School of Theology, 2323 East Iliff Avenue, Denver, CO 80210
Info/Contact: Tim Zeckser, 303-765-3111, tzeckser@iliff.edu
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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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