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OFFICE CLOSED MARCH 24-28
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We are moving March 28!
We will not be sending out an eConnection newsletter next week.
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 DUE TODAY!
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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Second Sunday in Lent
March 23 , 2014
link to texts, prayers, and art for this coming Sunday
Merciful God, the fountain of living water, you quench our thirst and wash away our sin. Give us this water always. Bring us to drink from the well that flows with the beauty of your truth 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:
3/23
Messiah Denver, CO
Wolfgang Stahlberg
Nativity Commerce City, CO
Kristi Beebe
New Beginnings Aurora, CO
Terry Schjang
Our Savior's Denver, CO
Paul Carlson
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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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ASSEMBLY TREE
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...and speaking of the tree
Tara McConnell, the tree's artist is looking for some help with the transportation and installation of the tree for Synod Assembly, May 8-10. Volunteer needs are:
1. 2 pick-ups to help transport the tree from Loveland to Denver.
2. Installation of tree (attaching leaves, etc) Thursday evening, May 8, Denver Tech Center.
3. Taking down the tree on Saturday, May 10.
Tara is also looking for a congregation (or 2 or 3!) to store all or part of the tree after the assembly. If you can help with any of this or have any questions, email Tara.
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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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"SHINE GOD'S FUTURE"
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Campaign gifts reach $42,591
We are thankful for the many congregations and individuals who have presented gifts in the "Shine God's Future" campaign for furnishings, art, and a labyrinth plaza in the new Office of the Bishop.
Gifts or pledges were received this week from:
Rocky Mountain Synod Women's Organization
 Rick Wittkopp, a member of Highlands Lutheran Church, Denver, CO, has created the beautiful processional cross for the new Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop at the new Lutheran Center, thanks to the contributions provided in the "Shine God's Future" campaign!
Gracious "thanks" to all who contributed!
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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 as of 2/28, 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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WINDOW INTO CAMPUS MINISTRY FOR LENT
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What do you hunger for?
What do you thirst for?
Repeated from last week: 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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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. 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
Office Administrator (part time) Canon City
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Canon City is seeking a part time Office Administrator. Interested applicants can download a Job Description and Application at www.sothlutheran.com. Applications are due by April 15.
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
- First, Gypsum, CO
- Madagascar Consultation
- LAM-CO Interviews
- Christ the King, Colorado Springs, CO
- Region 2 Meeting, Temecula, CA
Pastor Ron Roschke
- First, Gypsum, CO
- Madagascar Consultation
- LAM-CO Interviews
- Region 2 Meeting, Temecula, CO
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Vacation
- Region 2 Meeting, Temecula, CA
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Synodical Mission Meeting, Chicago, IL
- Mision Luterana Day Camp, Aurora, CO
Pastor Kent Mueller
- LC meetings
- Assembly planning
- ELCA Communication Consultation
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
- Synodical Mission Meeting, Chicago, IL
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Becky Jones (interim)
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
Kim Williams
- Deepened Discipleship Projects
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
New ELCA Malaria Campaign resources
Look for new resources this year - such as a World Malaria Day action kit and a vacation Bible school curriculum - to help you learn more about the impact Lutheran malaria programs are making in Africa and to help you tell the story to your friends, congregation and synod. Resources . |
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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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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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
The General's Son, the Journey of an Isaeli in Palestine
Sunday April 6, 3:30-5:30 pm
Augustana Lutheran
The General's Son-Miko Peled in Denver, Sunday, April 6, 3:30-5:30 pm at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda. His book chronicles his transformation from a staunch Zionist, the son of an Israeli general and war hero, into a peace activist, working to transform the Israeli apartheid system into a secular democracy, where Israelis and Palestinians will live as equal citizens. Visit the website for more information
Agape Concert in Colorado Springs
Saturday April 12, 2014 at 7 p.m.
CSCS (Colorado Springs Christian School)
4855 Mallow Road
Free Concert, for all ages!
Ascension Lutheran Church and First Lutheran Church are excited to collaborate to bring hip hop artist, Dave Scherer (Agape) to Colorado Springs, April 12. You are invited to a FREE concert at CSCS (Colorado Springs Christian School) on Saturday, April 12 at 7:00 PM. AGAPE is a hip hop artist who combines dancing, rap and storytelling to spread the message of God's love through Christ. Agape has been touring full time for 10 years "Spreading God's love through hip hop". He has a passion for young people and for helping them realize their worth and see themselves through Jesus' eyes. It's for all ages!
Partial funding is provided through a grant from the Ascension Lutheran Endowment. Don't miss a great event! If you have questions about the concert, e-mail Mary Stoneback at youth@ascensionlutheranelca.org or Pastor Carrie Baylis at carrie@flccs.netCheck out AGAPE at www.hiphopoutreach.com
"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
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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