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OFFICE CLOSED MARCH 24-28
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We are moving March 28!
Our move date is set for Friday, March 28. The Office of the Bishop will be closed March 24-28 as we prepare for the move.
The new address is:
Rocky Mountain Synod
7375 Samuel Drive
Denver, CO 80221
The phone numbers will remain the same.
Click on map above for .pdf version to print.
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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.
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PRAYERS
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First Sunday in Lent
March 9 , 2014
link to texts, prayers, and art for this coming Sunday
Lord God, our strength, the struggle between good and evil rages within and around us, and the devil and all the forces that defy you tempt us with empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your word, and when we fall, raise us again and restore us through your Son, 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:
3/2
Cross of Glory Denver, CO
Peace in Christ Elizabeth, CO
R. Dean Smith
Epiphany Denver, CO
Sarah Anderson
HKBP Denver, CO
Samuel Sitompul
Installation of Kaila Hochhalter
on March 8 in Fort Morgan
The installation of Kaila Hochhalter will take place Saturday March 8 at 2pm at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Fort Morgan, CO.
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RAINBOW TRAIL FUNDRAISER
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Eat Pizza and Support Rainbow Trail TODAY!!!
The California Pizza Kitchen fundraiser for Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp was such a fun time last year that they are doing it again. Join RTLC friends TODAY at the California Pizza Kitchen Fundraiser - You must have a coupon with you to get the donation for RTLC. See locations and download the coupon: We hope you'll help make this a huge success!
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LUTHERAN ENERGY STEWARDS
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Sign Up Your Congregation or Camp Now for Lutheran Energy Stewards
Initiative
ELCA congregations and camps can apply now (application deadline is May 1, 2014 with the program to begin in June) for the Energy Stewards Initiative, a one-to-two-year national program beginning this June through Lutherans Restoring Creation.
The program helps congregations track and reduce energy use on an online platform, lower their carbon footprint with the help of an action plan, and free up funds for other ministries. For $10.00 a month (scholarships available), the program offers an online platform and bi-monthly webinars to make available the shared wisdom of program leaders and other participants. Apply, learn more, or sign up for a Tuesday, March 25, 2014 (7:00 p.m. CT) informational webinar at
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MORE TAKERS NEEDED BY MARCH 31
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Rostered Leaders: take the health assessment if you have not yet done so
The winners of the three Fitbit exercise trackers are Matthew Muters, Don Marxhausen, and Liliana Stahlberg! We will find out if we reached our goal next week, and we then have until March 31 to try again to reach our 161! All links are here.
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SEPTEMBER 7 DAY OF OUTREACH & SERVICE
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"God's Work.
Our Hands."
Sunday is September 7
The ELCA once again will actively encourage congregations to take part in "God's work. Our hands." Sunday in 2014. The date for this year's dedicated day of service will be Sept. 7.
"God's work. Our hands." Sunday is about celebrating who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America -- one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. As they did in the inaugural dedicated day of service last September, ELCA congregations will again engage with their communities through a multitude of service projects. This special day provides ELCA members of all ages an opportunity to live out their faith in service to others. Mark your calendar now and start planning for your congregation's participation.
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PAINTING DAY #3
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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!
If you will be traveling a long distance for assembly, you can either ship your pinata OR bring pictures of your completed pinata and your group making it!
 | | How To Make A Pinata |
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TO DO LIST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
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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!
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
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2014-2015 Volunteer Applications
Urban Servant Corps is currently accepting applications for the 2104-2015 year of service! We are seeking those who are interested in living in intentional community and who are dedicated to service and have desire to explore spirituality while living a simple life-style. Urban Servant Corps provides housing, a community household stipend (for food and household expenses), health insurance, a $75 monthly stipend and a $300 annual personal growth and development fund. USC is also affiliated with AmeriCorps and a $5500 Education Award is (likely) available at the end of a year of service.
Who can you tell about Urban Servant Corps?
Encourage them to visit:
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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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WEEK OF RENEWAL AT PLTS
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Week of Renewal at PLTS
June 23-27, 2014
Rostered leaders are invited to a week of renewal of classes, worship, stimulating conversation, and restorative time in the company of old and new colleagues in ministry and lay people interested in theology in the wonderful setting between the Bay and Tilden Park.
Visit the website for class listing and more information!
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TO THE POINT
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"Shine God's Future" Campaign for new office reaches $38,902
Our sincere thanks for new gifts received from congregations:
Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge, CO
Trinity, Las Cruces, NM
Shepherd of the Hills, Canon City, CO
St. John's, Thornton, CO
Lord of the Valley, Granby, CO
Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield, CO
St. Peter, Carlsbad, NM
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
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, led by Pastor Kim Gonia. Email Erin Power if you are interested in leading worship!
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Installation of Pastor Ray McKechnie, Grand Junction, CO
- All Day Staff Retreat
- LAM-CO meeting
- Installation of Kaila Hochholtar, Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Fort Morgan, CO
- Spirit of the Mountain, Golden, CO
- Faith Formation Advisory Meeting
- First Lutheran, Gypsum, CO
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Campus Ministry
- All Day Staff Retreat
- LAM-CO Meeting
- Trinity, Laramie, WY
- LCM-CSU Board Meeting
Pastor Sarah Moening
- All Day Staff Retreat
- Installation of Kaila Hochholtar, Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Fort Morgan, CO
- New Beginnings Board Meeting
- Faith Formation Advisory Meeting
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- All Day Staff Retreat
- Ministry Review, Spirit of Joy, Fort Collins, CO
Pastor Kent Mueller
- All Day Staff Retreat
- LC meetings
- Assembly planning
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
- SPPO
- All Day Staff Retreat
- LAM-CO Meeting
- Peace, Las Cruces, NM
- Border Servant Corps
Becky Jones (interim)
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
Kim Williams
- Deepened Discipleship Projects
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
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Syria: ELCA urges more support for refugees
"The most vulnerable Syrian refugees should be resettled in the United States" and U.S. diplomatic efforts should be increased to bring about peace in Syria, said an ELCA statement submitted to a U.S. Senate subcommittee. 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
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
2015 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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"great beauty is always born through great struggle"
Lux Aeterna featured at Orchestra/Choral Concert in Denver
 The Musica Sacra Chamber Orchestra (Augustana Arts) and Kantorei Choir combine for a transcendent musical event on March 21 and 22, performing Morten Lauridsen's "Lux Aeterna" and other works. "Lux Aeterna," Lauridsen says, was the single most difficult piece he ever wrote, working through the pain of losing his mother. But great beauty is always born through great struggle, a solemn and powerful thought when pondering light eternal. Information and tickets.
Friday * March 21, 2014 * 7:30pm at Bethany Lutheran Church * Cherry Hills Village
Saturday * March 22, 2014 * 7:30pm at Augustana Lutheran Church * Denver
Experiential Storytelling Event
Saturday, March 15
10-1:30pm
Atonement Lutheran, Boulder
Join Dr. Richard Swanson for an interactive look at stories of resistance and survival in John leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. This event is great for anyone interested in inter-generational ministry. Ages 16 & above. Download the flyer for more information.
 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
Lutheran Chorale Spring Concert Sunday, March 9, 3:00pm
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lakewood
The Lutheran Chorale presents our spring Remembering concert, which will feature choral music composed with the express purpose of celebrating a cherished friend or notable event. The selections include Mansions of the Lord, Civil War Trilogy, My Country 'tis Of Thee, Sine Nomine, Gaelic Blessing, The Holy City, and others. The concert will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2100 N. Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO at 3 pm on Sunday, March 9. Tickets available at the door: Adults $15, Students/Seniors $12, Families $25
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
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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