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Greetings!
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2014 Assembly information & registration is now available
Read more about the 2014 Assembly and register online with a deadline of April 4. After April 4 a $25 late fee will apply. The schedule is creatively designed with flex start and end times for those traveling long distances and those closer, since travelers need to be on their way by noon on Saturday. View assembly information online.
 May 8
New Lutheran Center Dedication 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO map
Denver, Colorado
Call for Nominations & Resolutions/Memorials by Mar 18
Nominations and Resolutions/Memorials are due March 18 in anticipation of the assembly May 8-10.
It's time to submit assembly requests: display table, ministry booklet, plenary time, & interest lunches. Deadline for requests is February 21. 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.
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PRAYERS
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Transfiguration of our Lord
March 2 , 2014
link to texts, prayers, and art for this coming Sunday
O God, in the transfiguration of your Son you confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the witness of Moses and Elijah, and in the voice from the bright cloud declaring Jesus your beloved Son, you foreshadowed our adoption as your children. Make us heirs with Christ of your glory, and bring us to enjoy its fullness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Synod Prayer Cycle: Metro East
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:
John Pederson
Caitlin Trussell
Christ the Savior Aurora, CO
Paul Ziegler
Memorial service for retired Pastor Russell F. Mertz is Saturday, March 1 at Zion, Salt Lake City
Pastor Russell F. Mertz completed his earthly baptismal journey on February 20, 2014. He was ordained in the the UCC in 1963 but served in various ELCA ministries, including as the interim pastor for Trinity, Evanston, WY. He delighted in the collegiality and worship in Utah Conference meetings, which he regularly attended. Russ was a faithful member of Zion since 2005.
The memorial service will include the Eucharist this Saturday at Zion at 11 a.m. Pr. Jeff Beebe, Conference Dean, has graciously offered to share greetings and condolences on behalf of the Utah Conference. Read the full obituary.
Installation of Ray McKechnie
on March 4 in Grand Junction
The installation of Ray McKechnie will take place Tuesday March 4 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Matthew Episcopal Church in Grand Junction, CO. Ray has been called by American Lutheran and will serve the congregation of St. Matthew Episcopal through a collaborative partnership with the Episcopal Diocese.
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DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 28
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ROSTERED LEADERS:
TAKE IT NOW!
You have four days to complete the annual health assessment and win a Fitbit! Do it now! You get $150 each, PLUS, if enough take it, the RMS get's a huge rebate in "wellness dollars."
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 before February 28! Take the assessment and then submit your name. All links are here.
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PAINTING DAY #3
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The Church Council from Joy Lutheran Church, Parker, CO, did some amazing painting to renew the front of the sanctuary at our new Lutheran Center site last week.
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Monday, March 17 is next painting day at the new RMS Lutheran Center
We got a great start on some painting and projects at the new Lutheran Center. The next painting day is scheduled for March 17 from between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Come for some or all of the day. This time we have some exterior painting to do as well as interior.
We are grateful for the volunteer hours provided by the Church Council of Joy Lutheran Church in Parker last Saturday. They did some amazing work in the sanctuary on the site. See before and after photos below!
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ASSEMBLY PINATA CONTEST
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Enter our assembly PINATA CONTEST to celebrate our new Lutheran Center dedication!
As part of the Dedication Celebration, congregations are invited to participate in our Assembly Pinata Contest! Get a group together and make your most creative pinata. They will be displayed at the Dedication Celebration on Thursday, May 8. The top two entries will win a PIZZA PARTY with Bishop Gonia, so get those creative juices going! Email Erin Power if you have any questions. Not sure how to make a pinata? See the video below!
 | | How To Make A Pinata |
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Reminder checklist for leaders
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Things to do list...as soon as possible if you haven't yet....
___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 (actually by February 28!)
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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MEDICAL MISSION TRIP
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MEDICAL MISSION TRIP TO TANZANIA JULY 2014.
Pastor Andrea Doeden and a group from Zion's Lutheran Church in Trinidad is joining with members from around the ELCA and traveling to Morogoro, Tanzania July 11-26, 2014. We would love you to consider this opportunity to learn and serve as we work together with those in Morogoro. Are you a nurse? PA or NP? Physician? Dentist? Please consider going! Non-medical participants are blessed to serve as 'helpers' and are welcome as well! This will be the 12th yr working in Morogoro and Dr. Doeden's third trip. Please contact Pr/Dr. Andrea Doeden at 719-859-2301 or at zionsluth@gmail.com for more information!
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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.
One Year to Live Retreat Reunion
For OYTL Alumni and Families and Close Friends
March 8, Noon to 3:30 pm.
At Jim and Cathy Monkman's House.
Gather at noon for food and drinks. At 12:30 p.m. we will have a welcome, double circle, whole group/four domain demo, and check out. Email Jim at jim_monkman@yahoo.com to RSVP, for address and directions, and if you have questions.
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TO THE POINT
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Lenten E-Devotion from Luther Seminary
"Let us Hold Fast" is the theme for this year's Lenten Devotion, written by former faculty of Luther Seminary. Sign up here to receive this email devotion
Lenten Resources
"For God so loved the world..."
Global Resources for Lent
Resources are now available for Lenten suppers, services, classes, events and offerings.
Explore a better option for Palm Sunday. Eco-Palms help palm harvesters earn income, improve their communities and protect their environment. More information on the Lutheran World Relief website.
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. March 12 will be our next worship service. Email Erin Power if you are interested in leading worship!
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Conference of Bishops, Chicago, IL
- Installation of Pastor Ray McKechnie, Grand Junction, CO
Pastor Ron Roschke
- First Call Theological Conference
- Zion, Loveland, CO
- Campus Ministry
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Mission Strategy Table
- Shepherd of the Valley, Grand Junction, CO
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Mission Strategy Table
- Christ, Santa Fe, MN
- Salt Lake City, UT
Pastor Kent Mueller
- LC meetings
- Assembly planning
- Atonement, Boulder, CO
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
- NM Conference of Churches
Becky Jones (interim)
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
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 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
World Day of Prayer Service
Saturday,March 8
Elim Lutheran Church, Ogden, UT
Hosted by the Ogden Unit of Church Women United, a World Day of Prayer service will be Saturday, March 8 at Elim Lutheran Church 575 � 23rd St in Ogden. Registration ($4) begins at 9:30am and the program will start at 10:00am.
World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement of Christian women
of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer
each year on the first Friday in March. World Day of Prayer was founded on
the idea that prayer and action are inseparable in the service of God�s
kingdom. For more information, contact Pamela Deitsch, CWU-UT, Ogden Unit
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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COLORADO
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 Being Still. A one day retreat
Hosts: Linda Bobbitt & Rev. Paul Olsen
Information and registration: 303-523-3144
When: Saturday, March 15 from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Where:Messiah Mountain Retreat Center, 5200 Parmalee Gulch Rd, Indian Hills, CO 80454
(map)
What if you could be still for one whole day? Turn off the noise of the world and the noise in your mind and just be still. Join Pastor Paul Olsen for a day of instruction and practice with Centering Prayer. Learn to still your mind. Times of instruction will be followed by time to practice in silence. After each practice there will be Q&A where we will share our experiences. Lunch and dinner will be provided. Please note any dietary restrictions in your RSVP. Cost: $30. You may want to bring: Bible, Notebook or Journal, water bottle
Midland Lutheran University Choir Concert March 17
The Midland Chamber Choir and the Midland Clef Dwellers are presenting a concert at six ELCA congregations from March 14 to 19 for their spring tour. One concert takes place in the Rocky Mountain Synod: Abiding Hope Lutheran Church in Littleton on Monday evening, March 17, at 7 p.m. More info at www.midlandu.edu/arts
MERCY KILLERS
A One Man Play written & performed by Michael Milligan
"This searing one man show manages to make the politics of health care personal, largely thanks to a heart-breaking performance from leading man and Broadway actor Michael Milligan."
March 2, 2014, 10:30 am
Shepherd of the Hills Church
801 North Sheridan, Canon City, CO
Roll at STRIKE for LFS!
Provide Help & Hope for Children and Families
Bring Your Family & Friends for this Great FUNdraiser!
Saturday, March 1, 2014
10am-1pm
Brunswick Zone
9150 Harlan Street - Westminster CO
$20 Adults/ $15 Children 12 & Under
Includes: Three Games of Bowling, Rental Shoes, Door Prizes, Pizza & Soda!
Register at www.lfsrm.org/events
Call 303.217.5860 for more information.
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.
Urban Servant Corps Palm Sunday Prayer Walk
Sunday, April 13, 1pm
1660 Ogden St.
As Holy Week begins, you are invited to gather, learn, pray, and respond! Urban Servant Corps volunteers will lead walking tours around the neighborhood and placement sites where they serve. Information will be shared, prayers will be offered, and there will be a celebration of service! There will be options for a "long," "medium," or "short" walk as well as opportunities to learn about USC service sites at the Ogden House.
6th Annual Selian Lutheran Hospital 5K Run/Walk
1K Fun Run for the Kids!
 Saturday, May 31, 9 a.m. To Benefit Selian Lutheran Hospital in Arusha, Tanzania
Location: St. Peter Lutheran Church
9300 E. Belleview
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
303-770-9300
Icon Workshop
 July 21-25 St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Steamboat Springs, CO
Spend the week with Reverend Deacon Matthew Garrett learning about and painting an icon. Cost for the workshop is $450. Supplies, lunches and snacks are included. No previous art experience is necessary. Download the flyer or visit the website for more information
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Health Assessment Time!
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Rostered Leaders: Take the annual health assessment, get free money, and help us get wellness dollars back for the RMS
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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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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