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ANNOUNCING: RMS JOB OPENING Receptionist/Communications Staff
The Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop is seeking an Administrative Staff person who will serve as the receptionist and the communication staff member. The position is 1/2 time.
Primary tasks will include:
- edit and prepare the weekly email newsletter
- maintain RMS website/s (Adobe Dreamweaver program)
- prepare directories
- welcome guests
- answer the telephone
- partner with staff in meeting and event planning including preparing materials and bulletins
- partner with staff in administrative tasks
- provide support for Lutheran Advocacy Ministry
The full job description is now available on our website. Resume and cover letter may be submitted to Kent Mueller, kmueller@rmselca.org. (Spanish language skills are a plus). Possibility of dividing the position if needed to employ a website manager with Adobe Dreamweaver skills. Please submit applications by June 1.
2014 Assembly celebrated
being "Gifted to Grow"
download and reproduce the 2-page assembly summary
review assembly elections, resolution, sermons, ELCA video, photos, and more
 The 2014 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly, May 8-10, 2014, celebrated the gifts we have been granted to be God's faithful people as we grow in faith and in love and in our community life together.
It was also the opportunity to celebrate a new chapter in ministry together as we dedicated the new Lutheran Center (including a new site for the Office of the Bishop) at the site of the former Valley Lutheran Church which closed four years ago.
"Farewell!" and "Welcome!"
 This week, Erin Power concludes her internship in the Office of the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, but we now welcome her on the staff as our "Synod Minister for Hospitality and Mission" in a contractual half-time arrangement through the end of 2014.
She is in the candidacy process to be a Diaconal Minister in the ELCA, graduating from Iliff School of Theology in Denver with an M.Div. degree next week. Congratulations, Erin!
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PRAYERS
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O God of glory, your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Seventh Sunday of Easter
June 1, 2014
Synod Prayer Cycle:
Southeast Colorado 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:
6/1
Ascension Colorado Springs, CO
Dan Holt, Dan Smith
Christ the King Colorado Springs, CO
First Colorado Springs, Co
Paul Peel, Mark Patzke, Carrie Baylis, Joan Kuehn
Celebrating the retirement of Pastor John Pederson on June 6 at Augustana Lutheran Church
The congregation of Augustana Lutheran Church cordially invites you to attend a reception honoring the ministry of Pastor John R. Pederson, Friday, June 6, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church 5000 East Alameda Avenue, Denver. Please RSVP to the Augustana office at 303-388-4678 or info@augustanadenver.org by Wednesday, May 28.
Installation of Pastor Kristi Koppel, May 31, at Our Savior, Alamogordo
Pastor Kristi A Koppel will be installed as pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. Bishop Gonia will preach. A light brunch will follow the service. The church is located at 1212 Washington Avenue, Alamogordo, NM, 88310.
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MISSION INTERPRETATION MOMENT
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The Policy Committee of the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Colorado (LAM-CO) met on Friday, May 23, to discuss outcomes of the 2014 session of the Colorado legislature. Peter Severson, who was introduced as the new director, led a wrap-up on legislation that LAM-CO supported and helped to pass under the guidance of interim director Becky Jones. We received positive feedback about this year's Faith Advocacy Day, and committee chair Susan Bolduc led a spirited discussion about whether the office should officially support a proposed initiative for the November ballot. Finally, we spent time sharing our visions for LAM-CO, with many of us expressing the hope that advocacy would become more integrated with congregational life.
Peter shared his vision for the ministry as one that
- witnesses in the legislature to our shared ELCA priorities around hunger and poverty issues,
- equips people of faith to be advocates, and
- collaborates with ecumenical and other social ministry & service groups to amplify our impact in the public square.
As a committee and an executive office, we are grateful for the support of congregations in the Rocky Mountain Synod and we hope you will join us! Jesus calls us to testify on his behalf (John 15:27) and we are all equipped with gifts from the Holy Spirit to participate in building up the body of Christ in the world (Eph. 4:12). Advocacy testifies to who we are as Lutherans, as the church together, and as the church for the sake of the world. Amen!
Do you have an event or story to tell? Email your stories to Erin Power.
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GENEROSITY PROJECT
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Register Now!
Generous Generations Generous Households
Saturday, June 28
9:15 Registration
9:30am to 1:30pm
HKBP Montclair Lutheran
1401 Poplar St, Denver, CO
Fun, Interactive Workshop
Make & Take your Own Piggy Bank
Everyone is invited:
- All ages!
- Families!
- Stewardship Teams!
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ELCA YOUTH GATHERING
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ELCA YOUTH GATHERING IS IN DETROIT, JULY 15-19
Volunteers can now register on www.ELCA.org/gathering! We need volunteers who will be at least 19 years old at the time of the ELCA Youth Gathering to serve in a number of roles. You can read all about the opportunities available for you to serve at that web address.
All volunteer applications require a $75 registration fee to be paid once you complete the initial paperwork. (Does $75 sound expensive? Not if you consider that you get free housing, meals and a $250 travel stipend!).
May 15 is also the deadline for financial assistance, which will stay open until the pool of funds is exhausted, or July 15. See the same link above.
Have questions? Contact RMS
Resource Co-Coordinators for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering:
kyuyu@comcast.net
Nicole Raddu Ferry
pastornicole@bethluth.com
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JOURNEY OF RENEWAL
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Journey of Renewal is opportunity for new focus in a life of ministry
 Recognizing the significant amount of energy it takes to serve a life of ministry, we offer Journey of Renewal in partnership with Portico. This intensive, year-long wellness experience is designed to help the ELCA's rostered and other church leaders grow their ability to live well in Christ. Journey of Renewal leads participants to reflect, explore, and take action toward renewing their well-being and their ministry.
The Rocky Mountain Synod is taking part in a pilot Journey of Renewal opportunity for leaders.
Three-Part Experience
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Opening retreat (two-day, two-night event) Sept. 21-23,2014
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Ten months of hour-long, small-group coaching calls October 2014-August 2015
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Closing retreat (two-day, two-night event) Sept.20-22, 2015.
The opening and closing retreats are being planned in conjunction with the annual Rocky Mountain Synod Theological Conference. Those participating in Journey of Renewal will arrive one day early and then join in the theological conference.
Participants must be committed and prepared to engage in all three parts of the year-long process.
Cost: total cost is $1,500 ($1200 cost plus $300 retreat expenses) but scholarship funds are available to offset the cost. Complete the registration form and submit the amount you can contribute, ideally at least $500 or $1000, up to the full amount, which can be contributed over two calendar years.
The registration deadline is Aug. 23, 2014
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THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE 2014
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Fall Leadership Retreat 2014:
Our Life Together
September 22-25
Marriott Hotel
Colorado Springs, CO
Leaders in the Rocky Mountain Synod are invited to gather together for a time of learning, rest, and renewal as we look at
"Our Life Together." Registration will be available soon! The event begins late afternoon on Monday, September 22 and concludes before noon on Thursday, September 25.
Speaker: James Alison
 We are excited to be welcoming James Alison as our guest theologian at this year's Leadership Retreat /Theological Conference. James is a Catholic theologian, priest and author. He has studied, lived and worked in Mexico, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and the United States as well as his native England. A systematic theologian by training, James' most recent work is Jesus the Forgiving Victim a program of induction into the Christian Faith for adults, based upon his study of Ren� Girard. (www.forgivingvictim.com)
Worship Planning Team
We are looking for a few volunteers to help plan the worship and prayer opportunities that will take place during the conference. Please email Erin Power if you are interested in being a part of this team!
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TO THE POINT
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Executive Skills for Pastors: Lessons from the World of the MBA
California Lutheran University is offering a week of continuing education with faculty from the School of Management exploring how concepts from a MBA program can be applied to the arena of congregational life around these themes: stewardship, leadership, marketing, technology, and strategic direction.
Event is Sunday, July 6 - Friday, July 11. For more information or to register contact the Office of Church Relations by phone at 805-493-3936 by e-mail leblanc@callutheran.edu
More Information
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! Our next worship will be June 11.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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read about recent JOB POSTS in the Rocky Mountain Synod:
more information
Administrative Staff: Communications (half time)
Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Denver, CO
Children & Youth Ministry Director (1/4 time)
Highlands Lutheran Church, Denver, CO
Children, Youth and Family Minister (full time)
Evergreen Lutheran Church
Evergreen, CO
Director of Youth and Family Ministries (full time)
St Mark's Lutheran Church & St. Stephen's Episcopal,
Aurora, CO
Director of Youth Ministries (full-time)
Trinity Lutheran Church
Boulder, CO
Faith Formation Minister for Children (part-time)
Bethany Lutheran Church
Englewood, CO
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Metro West Bishop's Retreat
- Installation of Pastor Kristi Koppel, Our Saviors, Alamogordo, NM
- Desert Springs, Truth or Consequences, NM
- Community of Joy, Rio Rancho, NM
- Young Adult Ministry Conversation, UNM
- Faith Formation Strategic Visioning
Pastor Ron Roschke
- World Hunger & Lutheran Disaster Relief Meeting
- El Paso, TX
- Faith Formation Strategic Visioning
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Sky Ranch
- Faith, Golden, CO
- Faith Formation Strategic Visioning
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Zion, Montrose, CO
- Faith Formation Strategic Visioning
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Lutheran Center Meetings
- JoR Planning
- Faith Formation Strategic Visioning
- Cristo Rey, Denver, CO
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
- Faith Formation Strategic Visioning
Kim Williams
- Deepened Discipleship Projects
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
ELCA young adults join U.N. meeting on women's rights
Without social and economic change, gender inequality around the world will continue to grow was among the messages a delegation representing four ministries of the ELCA took away from the recent U.N. meeting on women's rights. See www.ELCA.org/News-and-Events/7658.
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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
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
Outdoor Worship through the summer in Ogden, UT
This summer, beginning Memorial Day Weekend on Sunday, May 25, and ending Labor Day, Elim Lutheran Church, located at 575 23rd street in Ogden, UT, will have their Sunday worship service outside. Services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the lawn by the parking lot. These outdoor meetings will be shorter and more informal. Holy Communion will be served every Sunday.
Chairs will be provided, and trees and canopies will offer plenty of shade. After the service there will be an outdoor fellowship hour with coffee, lemonade, ice water and snacks.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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COLORADO
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Second Annual Hops for Hunger:
Fighting Childhood Hunger in Northern Colorado
Join us on Saturday, June 14 from 3-7PM at Pateros Creek Brewing Co. for Hops for Hunger: an all-ages, family-friendly charity event benefiting KidsPak. 1 in 3 children in Larimer County goes to bed hungry every night. KidsPak is a weekend hunger relief program for children in the Thompson School District and Berthoud.
Pateros Creek Brewing Co. will brew a special beer for the occasion, and $1 from every beer sold will go to benefit hungry kids in our Northern Colorado! 100% of the food and funds raised will go toward feeding hungry kids in our community!
Please consider bringing a donation of food, cash, or check with you to the event.
Admission is free! Drink a beer and change the world! Pateros Creek is located at
Four Winds Art Show is June 20 and June 21
Four Winds Native American Council provides programs and services for the large number of Native Americans residing in metro Denver. They are located at 201 West 5th Avenue, Denver at the historic site of a former Lutheran church, the building still owned by the Rocky Mountain Synod.
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
Vacation Bible School at Our Savior's, Denver
Vacation Bible School is at Our Savior's Lutheran Church 915 E 9th Ave, Denver 80218,
June 9-13, Monday-Thursday, 9am-3pm; Friday, 9am-12pm.
Bible school is for kids entering kindergarten through 5th grade in partnership with Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp. Cost: $40 per family. For information, please contact: 303-831-5051 or email oslc915@juno.com
Annual Holy Cross Hike is Saturday, July 19
Again this year Mount of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Vail, Colorado will sponsor a pilgrimage hike climbing Notch Mountain (13,237), in order to view the Mount of the Holy Cross (14,005). Because of the popularity of this hike and due to U.S. Forest Service regulations which limit the group to no more than 15 persons at a time, reservations are required. 
The date is Saturday July 19, 2014. The event will last from approximately 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This is a fairly strenuous hike and requires proper hiking gear for a trek in the back country.
While there are NO fees, pre-registration is required. Call (970) 476-6610 for a registration form. For more details you can log on the church web page, www.mountholy.com and click on the Pilgrimage link.
Pastor Scott Beebe (hike master)
Mount of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Vail, CO 81658
Phone 476-6610
Email: skbeebe@vail.net
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Assistant to the Bishop
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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