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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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WINDOW INTO CAMPUS MINISTRY FOR LENT
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What do you hunger for?
What do you thirst for?
This week students at Utah State University share their reflections for Lent.
 | | What do you hunger/thirst for at Utah State University? |
View all of the Campus Ministry Lent Videos at this link.
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PRAYERS
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Second Sunday in Lent
March 16 , 2014
link to texts, prayers, and art for this coming Sunday
O God, our leader and guide, in the waters of baptism you bring us to new birth to live as your children. Strengthen our faith in your promises, that by your Spirit we may lift up your life to all the world 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:
3/16
Holy Love Aurora, CO
Matthew Bolz-Weber
House for All Sinners and Saints Denver, CO
Nadia Bolz-Weber
Joy Parker, CO
Randy Mundt (Interim)
Lord of the Hills Centennial, CO
Emily Cardin (Interim)
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PAINTING DAY #3
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Have some volunteer time to spare?
Help us do some exterior and interior painting at the new Lutheran Center on Monday, March 17
The weather looks to be good for us to get started on some painting of exterior trim at the new Lutheran Center, 7375 Samuel Drive, 80221!
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 finish up some interior.
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MISSION CONGREGATION GIFTS
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GIFTED TO GROW!
Do you remember the Tree at last year's assembly? Well it will be back again this year! As a way to live out our theme "Gifted To Grow" congregations and assembly participants are invited to bring gifts that will be shared with our Mission Partner Congregations:
- gift cards for supplies or for gas/groceries (for pastor's discretionary funds for people in need)
- Gluten free communion wafer
- Regular communion wafers
- Veggie Tales movies
- white computer paper
- pens and pencils
- colored pencils and crayons
- musical instruments for kids (maracas, tambourines, shaker eggs, etc)
- coffee
Gifts brought to the assembly and placed under the tree will be shared with :
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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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We are still 15 people short of our goal! So please help us reach it!
We are pleased that 146 took the assessment, but we need 161! We now have until March 31 as our next opportunity to find out if we've met the challenge! Remember each person who takes the challenge receives $150, insurance rates are reduced by 2%, and the RMS receives over $20,000 in wellness funds if we meet the goal! Please "take it now!" All links are here.
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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.
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TO THE POINT
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ELCA Youth Gathering Information
Questions about the Gathering? Check out the discussion forum for adults bringing youth the the ELCA Youth Gathering:
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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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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read about opportunities in the Rocky Mountain Synod:
more information
Coordinator, Special Events & Church Relations (part time)
Lutheran Family Services - Southern Colorado Office
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Part time Coordinator, Special Events & Church Relations at Lutheran Family Services. Responsible for planning special events, working with volunteers, public speaking, building relationships with the community and congregations, and fundraising. BA + 2yrs. exp. req. Equal opportunity employer. Email jobs@lfsrm.org.
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Faith Formation Advisory Meeting
- First, Gypsum, CO
- Lord of the Hills, Centennial, CO
- Prince of Peace, Gillette, WY
Pastor Ron Roschke
- First, Gypsum, CO
- Lutheran Disaster Relief
- Region 2 Candidacy Consultation
- Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Centennial, CO
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Faith Formation Advisory Meeting
- Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Centennial, CO
- Faith Formation Network
- Youth Gathering Planning Meeting
- Shepherd of the Valley, Grand Junction, CO
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- First, Gypsum, CO
- Generosity Project
- Cristo Rey, Denver, CO
- Synodical Mission Meeting, Chicago, IL
Pastor Kent Mueller
- LC meetings
- Assembly planning
- Lutheran Center Painting Day
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
- Medicaid Coalition
- Synodical Mission Meeting, Chicago, IL
Becky Jones (interim)
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
Kim Williams
- Deepened Discipleship Projects
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Kenya: Thriving rural congregations After visiting three rural congregations in Kenya, ELCA missionaries Michael Fonner and Leslie Weed-Fonner said, "All three are building their own new churches under their own leadership, using their own expertise and labor, and raising their own funds. How exciting this is!" More |
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
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
Fast4Families rallies support
for immigration reform
Pastor Steve Klemz and partners of Lutheran Social Services of Utah gathered with other local religious leaders on Saturday, March 8 in Salt Lake City to offer their support and prayers for members of Fast4Families, an organization that is traveling around the country to increase support for comprehensive immigration reform. Read the entire article
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WYOMING
| submit Wyoming news or photos
Presentation on Israel/Palestine and Jordan
Sunday March 16, 5:00pm
St. Luke's Lutheran Church
Buffalo, WY
Join Pastor Alena Lamirato on Sunday, March 18 at 5:00pm and hear about her trip to Israel/Palestine and Jordan. Dinner will be provided.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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St. Paul celebrates Pat Holman's 25th ordination anniversary
On Transfiguration Sunday, March 2, St. Paul Lutheran Church honored Pastor Pat Holman with a celebration for her 25th Ordination Anniversary. Special guests at dinner on Saturday night included Pat's ecumenical prayer partners and Pat's mother and sister, who traveled from Minnesota to share in the celebration.
Pastor Jeffrey Louden (Park City, Utah) presided and preached at worship on Sunday. St. Paul was Jeff's first call. He presented Pat with a cross designed in the pattern of the cross that hangs in St. Paul's sanctuary that had been given to him when he left St. Paul. Liturgical art that included a hand made silver banner was created by the St. Paul Visual Choir. A congregational potluck rounded out the event.
(photos by Pastor Phil Wangberg, All Saints, Albuquerque)
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COLORADO
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Gallery of Living Art
April 4-6
First Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs
As the audience sits in the sanctuary, the story of Christ's Passion and Resurrection unfolds through live reproductions of fourteen sacred works of art staged by a 60 member cast, narrative scripture and music sung by First Lutheran choir. Join First Lutheran for this inspirational presentation of Christ's Passion and Resurrection. Admission is free and childcare is provided. Download the flyer for information
"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
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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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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