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How are Lutheran responding to the border humanitarian crisis?
to learn more about the plight of unaccompanied children.
Lutheran Family Services-Rocky Mountains is seeking to partner with Denver Human Services to address the situation in Colorado.
In the words of Pr. Rafael Malpica-Padilla, "our compassion should not stop at the border." We are called to show Christ's love, not in word or speech, but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18).
Border Servant Corps volunteers to share stories about the crisis of children at the US border
Lutherans who are volunteering in the Border Servant Corps have been deeply connected to the crisis of unaccompanied children at the U.S. border. Over the next several weeks, we will feature stories from people who are experiencing the crisis first-hand, as heard and collected by current BSC volunteers. Look for links to those stories in future eConnection newsletters.
Child Care for Theological Conference
We would like to offer child care for those attending the fall Theological Conference Sept. 22-25 in Colorado Springs. If you or someone you know from the Colorado Springs area would be interested in being our child care provider (paid), please contact Erin Power. We are looking for 2 people.
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PRAYERS
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Sonja Sandquist will be ordained August 31 at 4 p.m.
All are invited to attend the Service of Ordination for Sonja Cay Sandquist on Sunday, August 31, at Christ Lutheran Church, 8997 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Holy Eucharist and Rite of Ordination is at 4 p.m. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Sonja will be serving as an Associate Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Littleton, Colorado.
Sunday August 3
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Synod Prayer Cycle:
North New Mexico Conference
Remember in prayer this coming Sunday:
8/3
All Saints Brush, CO
Dan Hays
Bethel Windsor, CO
Kevin Meyer
Bethlehem Brush, CO
Sherman Gordius
Faith Eaton, CO
John Maroni
First Ault, CO
Renee Lier
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Young Adult Trip to the Holy Land
in May 2015
Join 17 young adults (ages 18-30) on a pilgrimage of peace and justice to the Holy Land May 12-25, 2015. Goals of the trip include learning about the complexity of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, faith formation via a pilgrimage of �living stones, and empowering young adults in their capacity as change makers. Applications and trip information can be found at this site.
Seeking Volunteer Travel Agent
We are looking for a travel agent to do bona fide work to help 19 young adults from the Rocky Mountain Synod travel to the Holy Land on a pilgrimage of peace and justice. The trip will take place in May of 2015 and we are hoping to arrange space on the same flight from the United States to the Holy Land. If you or anyone you know could help us in this endeavor we would greatly appreciate it! Please contact RMSPeaceNotWalls@gmail.com if you're interested or have questions.
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RMS WORLD HUNGER NETWORK
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Spirituality, Ethics,
Friday evening, November 7 and Saturday, November 8
The RMS Lutheran Center -
7375 Samuel Drive, Denver
 Join us as we explore the spirituality and ethics of hunger, the effect of climate change on hunger and ways to provide relief in this country and around the world. Dr. Samuel Thomas, Associate Professor of Religion at California Lutheran University, Dr. Ryan Cumming, Director of Hunger Education for ELCA World Hunger, and Rev. Nelson Bock, Professor and Co-Director of Wartburg West, will be our guides as we learn more about hunger, its causes, and what we can do about it. Registration will open in September so check the e-Connection and register early!
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RAISING MONEY FOR MALAGASY YOUTH
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Faster Pastors run August 8 & 9
Faster Pastors take off August 8-9 from Copper Mountain Ski Resort for 200 miles of hills, chills and hopefully no spills! The team of 12 RMS pastors are raising awareness of our Madagascar companion synod by running to raise money to bring Malagasy youth to the ELCA Youth Gathering July 2015. You and/or your congregation can sponsor us per mile of the race or of our combined training mileage. So far we have together run at least the length of Madagascar which is 1,000 miles in our training since April!
The Faster Pastors still need a 12-15 passenger van and a place to stay by Copper August 7, if anyone has connections for either of those. Contact Brigette or Paul at their email below.
Let's see how many youth we can bring to experience the ELCA Youth Gathering next summer! Thank you for supporting us and our companion synod of Madagascar. Please note that checks can be made out to RMS or to your local congregation with Faster Pastors in the memo line. We are also looking for one more runner! Contact Brigette Weier or Paul Judson.
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MISSION INTERPRETATION MOMENT
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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
has advocated over 30 years
 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
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Connect your Students with Lutheran Campus Ministry!
Graduation parties have ended and many of our congregation's young adults are preparing to find their way at college. The Lutheran Campus Ministries of the Rocky Mountain Synod work to stay connected with these young people, continuing the good work of your congregations and helping young adults navigate the demands of college life.
What? You want three good reasons why you should connect students to campus ministry? Well, we've got three good rights right here!
Convincing enough? When you provide the contact information of students who will be attending college in the fall (especially CSU, CU, UNM-CNM, UNC, Wyoming, and Utah State), each student will receive a simple invitation to check out one of our ministries. Connect your students to Lutheran Campus Ministry around the country.
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PEACE NOT WALLS
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"Come and See" Pilgrimage to the Holy Land June 4-18, 2015
Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you" (Gen 12.1) Abraham's descendants, the "living stones" of the Holy Land today, invite us to enjoy their culture of hospitality. Sponsored by Peace Not Walls, Rocky Mountain Synod. The trip will be led by Pastor Alena Lamirato and Jan Miller
* Stay in the Old City of Jerusalem and explore the holy sites and bazaars
* Connect with Palestinian Christians and their peace-building ministries
* See the holy sites in Capernaum and Nazareth
* Sail on the Sea of Galilee
* Worship with Lutherans and visit ministries in Bethlehem
* Visit Qumran, Masada, swim in the Dead Sea
* Walk the Mount of Olives; visit Augusta Victoria Hospital
* Daily reflection time and free time to explore
* Local guides
Tentative cost $3900 (to be firmed up by January, 2015). More information. Contact Jan Miller or 303-332-1263.
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THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE 2014
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Fall Leadership Retreat 2014:
Our Life Together
 September 22-25Marriott 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." The event begins late afternoon on Monday, September 22 and concludes before noon on Thursday, September 25.
Registration
The registration (including room, meals, breaks, program costs, and travel equalization) is:
Single $495
Double $375
Commuter $175-225 (depending on meal choices)
Link to Online Registration
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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.
The registration deadline is Aug. 23, 2014
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TO THE POINT
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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 August 13.
Want pop can tabs or Stephen Ministry training manuals?
St. Mark's, Aurora, CO, is no longer collected pop can tabs for caner research, but has some to contribute to another congregation. If you are collecting them, send an email to Susan at
skschnier@comcast.net and she'll get them to you. Also, they have three training manuals for Stephen Ministry if you can use them.
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EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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Choir Director
Peace, Las Cruces, NM
Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces, NM is looking for a choir director to join its staff in order to enhance worship through the presentation of sacred and secular music. Call (575) 522-7119 for more information.
Accompanist
Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield, CO
Lutheran Church of Hope, an ELCA congregation is seeking an keyboard accompanist for its contemporary ensemble, Spirit of Hope. This is a ten-month a year position, (August through May), and will commence August 1, 2014. A complete job description may be found on the congregation's website or by contacting the church office at (303) 466-4823. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter with specific experience and resume electronically to musicsearch14@lchope.org.
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- ELCA Madagascar Consultation, Chicago, IL
- St. Paul, Calhan, CO 100th Anniversary
- Wyoming Ecumenical Gathering, Riverton, WY
Pastor Ron Roschke
- ELCA Madagascar Consultation, Chicago, IL
- Vacation
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Lead worship at Trinity, Laramie, WY
- Lutheran Center meetings
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Mision Latina Aurora: Grupo de Ninos
Pastor Kent Mueller
Erin Power
- Theological Conference and Journey of Renewal Planning
- Ministry Review planning
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- NM Hunger Summit
- Legislative Health and Human Services Committee
- Kids Count Conference
- Alamogordo/Las Cruces, NM
Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
- Preach at Christ the Servant, Louisville, CO
- National SPPO Conference Call
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
ELCA advocates for unaccompanied children entering U.S.
An estimated 80,000 unaccompanied children will seek safety in the United States this year. The ELCA and its partners "are pursuing both the short-term efforts at achieving safety and relevant social services for these children of God, as well as long-term systemic solutions to stem the flow of children cast adrift," said the Rev. Stephen Bouman, executive director, ELCA Congregational and Synodical Mission. More information.
Israel-Palestine: Time for peace is now
In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton and more than 30 U.S. Christian, Jewish and Muslim religious leaders declared that "the time for Israeli-Palestinian peace is now." More information.
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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
Elim, Ogden, UT, Celebrated 125 years at the
Pioneer Days Parade on July 24
Pastor DanaLee Simon blessed the float on Sunday.
Elim's whole parade crew is pictured. Photos by Gloria Wurst.
Lutheran Social Service of Utah: Inter-Faith & Community-Wide Ministries
"Jose Bonilla faced the challenge of English fluency when he came alone to the United States as a refugee from El Salvador in 1980. He said he knew how to name colors in English, but not much else.
He learned how to work hard while growing up on a farm, but struggled with the language barrier once he arrived in the U.S. and was often treated poorly by others because he did not speak English. Unaware of refugee resettlement services, he estimates that it took him about seven years to learn English on his own.
Now as associate director at Lutheran Social Services, he helps others refine their English and develop the skills they will need to get jobs and assimilate.
Lutheran Social Services connects refugees with programs at Westminster College and Salt Lake Community College. They believe education is the "primary path" to gainful employment, which will lead individuals to more independent lives, according to Leslie Whited, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Utah.
The agency has individuals from eight religious groups on site daily, working together to create an "intentionally peaceful" environment for those who may have escaped religious conflict in their countries.
"That's one of the miracles of our place," she said."
reprinted from "Local Religious Organizations help Salt Lake-Bound refugees resettle."6-10-2014 in the Desert News.
See: http://www.deseretnews
2015 Synod Assembly Local Planning Team Our 2015 Synod Assembly will take place in Salt Lake City May 1-3, 2015. For anyone in the area who would be interested in being a part of a local planning team, we will be meeting on Wednesday, August 6, at 6:30pm at the Downtown Sheraton. For more information, or if you are interested but cannot attend the August 6 meeting, contact Erin Power
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WYOMING
| submit Wyoming news or photos
Lanky Lutherans qualify for national senior games
 The Lanky Lutherans of Grace Lutheran, Casper, competed last week in the Wyoming Sr. Olympics. They challenged members of other Casper congregations to see who could earn the most medals. Grace's team of 4 earned 21 medals and each of them qualified for the National Sr. Games in the Twin Cities next summer. Not only do they hope to represent Wyoming in nationals, they are hoping to encourage others to maintain their health by consistent exercise, especially with friends. On July 27, the competing congregations will have a potluck and sharing time where we will tally the medal counts per congregation to see who will be able to take home the traveling trophy for this year.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Border Immersion Program
welcomes Albuquerque students
An article was written about the Border Immersion Program at Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey. They hosted a group of high school students from Sandia Prep in Albuquerque this past November for one day, and this article was posted about their experiences:
 "Every year, the Border Immersion Program at Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey in El Paso, Texas, allows student groups from all over the country to immerse themselves in the complex environment that is the U.S. / Mexico border. Cristo Rey is a bilingual Lutheran church located one mile from a bridge that crosses into Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The Border Immersion Program's purpose is not to change the political or religious beliefs of the participants, who come from diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences - but rather to help to educate the public about both the beauty and the complexity of life on the U.S. / Mexico border..."
read the entire article
Servant Stories on July 27
Join the Border Servant Corps on Sunday, July 27, at 12 P.M. immediately following El Paso Re-Commissioning Service at New Hope Lutheran Church 4801 Sun Valley Dr, El Paso, TX 79924 as the 2013-2014 BSC volunteers reflect and share about their time of service on the U.S./Mexico border! Lunch is provided.
Save the Date!
LAM-NM 2014 Advocacy Conference
Saturday, November 8
St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Albuquerque
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COLORADO
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New exhibit at Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center:
Evidence of God's Gracious Help and Presence...
The Eben-Ezer Motherhouse and Elim Hospital
The Eben Ezer Auxiliary invites you to attend a Museum Open House on Saturday, August 9 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Museum is located on the Eben Ezer Campus, 122 Hospital Road, Brush, in the Chapter House on the west side of the main building.
Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center in Brush, Colorado, had a hospital that served the northeastern plains from 1916 to 1967. Pastor Jens Madsen, a Danish immigrant first cultivated a spirit of love by building a Deaconess Motherhouse at Eben Ezer that maintained a Sanatorium for tubercular patients; Home for older people; General Hospital and Infirmary. The Motherhouse was one of nine in the United States, incorporated in 1903 to care for those in need regardless of race, creed, religion or ability to pay.
During a tour of this new exhibit, guests have the opportunity to explore this exhibit that profiles the Sisters of the Motherhouse and the Eben-Ezer, Elim Hospital. Visitors can learn about Pastor Madsen�s vision for providing medical care and compassion. Tours of the Exhibit at other times can be arranged by contacting the chaplain's office at 842-2861, ext 225.
There will also be a Grand Re-Opening of the Eben Ezer Second Hand Store.
Profits support the renovation of the Bistro and Coffee shop at Eben Ezer.
We invite you to come on Saturday, August 9, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Lunch will be available for purchase, with funds supporting Eben Ezer's Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's team.
Carrie Newcomer in Concert August 22
Carrie Newcomer was well-received as a guest at several of our Theological Conference over the years. She presents a concert at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 22 at the Swallow Hill center, 71 East Yale Avenue, Denver, CO. Tickets are $20. Carrie says, "Every day we are living moments of grace and wonder, shadow and light. These are the moments I write about."
Mental Health First aid class
One in four Americans has suffered from a mental health problem. That's a staggering statistic. Through this certification course, you will become a mental health first aider and identify signs of mental health difficulties and how to locate appropriate treatment opportunities.
Free: all are welcome!
Bethany Lutheran Church
4500 E. Hampden Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Lutheran Family Services
21st Annual Golf Classic
Tee Off for HOPE
Monday, August 11, 2014
more information and registration
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Rocky Mountain Synod
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-339-4744
Announcements for eConnection are due before noon on Thursday for the issue the following Tuesday. Event announcements are included for about two weeks. Please submit your announcement at the time it should appear, ready to copy and paste into the newsletter, with a link to your website for more information.
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