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What is the importance of a playground?
Advent Lutheran Church, Westminster, recently dedicated a new playground, the result of several years of work. The project was completed through donations and fundraising, with no expenses from the general fund.
The congregation's newsletter says, "A playground communicates that we are a church available to kids on their own terms--hat we want them here and are willing to relate to them through activity, imagination, and play."
Additionally, the congregation dedicated 100 solar panels in a ground-level "solar garden" on land that was not being used. It has been an exciting summer for Pastor Barb Martens and the people of Advent Lutheran Church!
How are Lutheran responding to the border humanitarian crisis?
REFLECTIONS FROM THE BORDER SERVANT CORPS:
Our ears, eyes, and hearts have seen, listened, and felt the pain behind leaving your home, being treated as a prisoner, and the fear of not knowing what is next. I invite everyone who reads this to get out there are find the true stories, the truly painful narratives that people carry and let it touch you, let it change you.
READ A REFLECTION FROM THE BORDER
Hear James Alison September 26 & 27
at the new RMS Lutheran Center
 James Alison is our 2014 keynote guest at our fall Theological Conference in Colorado Springs, and we are offering the opportunity for everyone to hear him at a special event at the new RMS Lutheran Center. These "Conversations with James Alison" will take place Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 27 at 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO, 80221.
Friday, September 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
"Where are we now, and where are we going?"
Thinking through Christianity and the LGBT emergence
Saturday, September 27, 9 - 11 a.m.
Jesus the Forgiving Victim
Presenting a new course of introduction to the Christian faith for adults (forgivingvictim.com)
James Alison (b. 1959) 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, following from the insight into desire associated with Ren� Girard.
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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Emily Ewing to be ordained August 23
All are invited to share in the joy of the ordination of Emily Ewing, which will take place on Saturday, August 23, at 11 a.m., at the Vail Interfaith Chapel, where Mt. of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church worships. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is Red. Emily has been called to serve at Christ the king South Jordan Utah.
Sonja Sandquist will be ordained
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 17
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
God of all peoples, your arms reach out to embrace all those who call upon you. Teach us as disciples of your Son to love the world with compassion and constancy, that your name may be known throughout the earth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
North Colorado Conference
Remember in prayer this coming Sunday:
8/17
Our Saviour's Fort Collins, CO
Michael Stadtmueller, Leta Behrens,
Diana Linden-Johnson (Intern)
Peace Akron, CO
Dan Hays
Peace Sterling, CO
Wendy Kalan
Shepherd of the Hills Fort Collins, CO
Dana Peterson
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Men's Fly Fishing Retreat at Rainbow Trail
As the busy fall season kicks off, take time to step out of the stress of ordinary life and into the refreshing waters of the Arkansas River. Rainbow Trail�s Men�s Fly Fishing Retreat offers an amazing weekend for faith renewal, rest, and fly fishing. Time for hanging out with the guys, amazing worship, challenging conversation, and honing your fishing skills is led by a team of pastors, and long-time friends. Dave Risendal and Roger Thompson have a deep love for fly fishing and the gospel. Join them for this amazing weekend, September 11-14, 2014. More information and registration.
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CARE FOR CREATION
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Our Living Earth: Called to Action
Send your comments on the EPA's proposed carbon rule today! The EPA's proposed rule will limit emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants from power plants, improving public health in our communities and protecting future generations and God's earth from the threat of climate change. If you'd like to comment, our action center has tools to help you. If you'd like more information about the rule, here's a link to fact sheets that may help.
Sign a global climate change petition. This September, world leaders will gather in New York City for a Climate Summit in preparation for a year of international negotiations on a new global climate change treaty.
Sign an interfaith petition on climate change asking our leaders to take strong action to combat climate change before it�s too late. Add your voice to a growing chorus of people of faith who are holding our leaders accountable on this critical issue."Living Earth Reflections" is now available on our ELCA Advocacy blog.
Want to learn more about ELCA�s commitment to advocating for public policy that supports the care for creation? Visit our website.
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LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION
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One Year to Live Men's Retreat
October 10-12
Lutheran Men in Mission invite you to a retreat October 10-12 at the YMCA Camp Santa Maria in Grant, Colorado. Men of all ages yearn for real friendships and a closer relationship with Christ. Join us and be
- Adventurous and courageous
- Genuine and spiritual
Look forward to
- Banding together and being challenged
- Examining your life and making decisions
Be prepared for a spiritual boot camp. This 45-hour
experience is not for the faint of heart! Download the brochure.
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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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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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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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Font and altar available
Mount Calvary, Boulder, Colorado, has an altar and font available to a congregation who could use them, perhaps in a chapel setting. Please contact Sarah Wirth if interested.
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, led by Pastor Michael TeKrony, Holy Shepherd, Lakewood, CO.
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EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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Read about recent JOB POSTS in the Rocky Mountain Synod. More information
Organist/s
St. Philip Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO
St Philip Lutheran Church, 7531 Kendall Blvd., Littleton, CO 80128, is seeking two organists to job share service playing and ensemble accompanying. Contact Dr. Nancy Beyer for a full job description or to apply.
Fort Collins Middle/High School Youth Ministry Team
Fort Collins, CO
Four young adults will form a team and work together to lead joint youth ministry events with youth from the four Fort Collins Churches: Spirit of Joy (SOJ), Trinity Lutheran Church (TLC), Shepherd Of The Hills (SOTH), and Our Saviour�s Lutheran Church (OSLC). They will plan and lead monthly events for High School and for Middle School, coordinate and attend Youth gatherings, and more. $12 per hour. Request complete information about the position or email Nancy McNair. Applications due by August 25.
Director, Major and Planned Gifts
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains
Denver, CO
The Director of Major and Planned Gifts manages the process of implementing an action plan to identify, cultivate and solicit individual gifts both current and future from a major gift pool of prospects in the geographical areas that encompass Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains.
The incumbent will collaborate with the Vice President of Resource Development to set goals, monitor work and evaluate results to ensure that objectives are met and in line with the needs and mission of the organization providing a strong base of ongoing financial support. More information.
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Region 2 DEM/Mission Table retreat.
- Rainbow Trail
- Faith Formation Strategic Planning
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Vacation
- Office Appointments
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Mt Calvary, Colorado Springs, CO
- Faith Formation Strategic Planning
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Mission Table Meetings
- Churchwide Guests
- Region 2 DEM/Mission Table retreat.
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Lutheran Center meetings
- Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge, CO
Erin Power
- Theological Conference and Journey of Renewal Planning
- Ministry Review planning
- Salt Lake City Assembly planning
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- NMCC Service and Outreach
- Legislative Health and Medicaid advisory
Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Mission of the Month: Abby in South Africa
As a Young Adult in Global Mission, Abby Henderson mentored teen girls and encouraged them to stay in school. Inspire your congregation with her story! For a colorful Word document to display on your congregation�s bulletin board, or usein your bulletin or PowerPoint presentation, visit the web. YAGM Country Coordinator needed for Madagascar
Austin and Tanya Propst will be concluding their service, so a new Young Adult in Global Mission coordinator is needed for Madagascar, as well as Senegal, Cambodia, and Jerusalem/West Bank. Position description.
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.
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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
Church Development Institute training
to take place in Utah
CDI is a relevant training for developing the spiritual, communal, and organizational life of congregations. Leaders are equipped to lead healthy and mission-shaped change in the congregation. It is a program for clergy and lay leaders who desire to make their parishes stronger, healthier, more mission-minded, more responsive to God, and more effective in their communities.
Cycle 1 Dates & Program:
September 12-13, 2014 - Understanding Congregational Systems
November 14-15, 2014 - Methods of Discovery
February 27-28, 2015 - Building Healthy Mission Shaped Community
May 15-16, 2015 - Leadership in Congregational Systems
CDI will take place at the Episcopal Commons, 75 South 200 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, beginning at 1 pm on Friday through 4 pm on Saturday.
brochure
registration
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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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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.
Marriage Encounter weekend is October 10-1
Enjoy a weekend of discovery together with Marriage Encounter! The next Weekend will be offered October 10 - 12, 2014, in Denver, CO. Apply now
or contact Bud & Cindy Amack
or 303-796-9119 for more information. Weekends fill fast and pre-registration is required. Registrations must be received by September 17.
Beyond Divorce: rebuilding workshop
Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends, begins on Thursday, September 4, 2014, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch. The seminar is from 6:30 to 8:30 PM each Thursday for 10 weeks, ending on November 6, 2014. Complementary child care is available. For more information please contact Beth Walker at 720.352.9915 or
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
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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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