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FALL MISSIONAL GATHERINGS
Conference meetings scheduled throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod
The complete listing including places and times is nearly complete, but to get the dates on your calendar, below is the preliminary list of the 2014 Missional Gathering dates. More specifics will be shared next week. The focus will be on "Lutheran Spirituality" with a special focus for congregational councils and presidents.
Sat Sep 20 Metro West (Mountain)
Sun Sep 28 Metro East
Sat Oct 11 Wyoming
Sun Oct 19 Boulder/Broomfield
Sat Oct 25 Utah
Sat Nov 1 Metro West (Metro)
Sun Nov 2 North Colorado
Sat Nov 8 North New Mexico
Sun Nov 9 Southeast Colorado
Sat Nov 15 Border
Sat. Dec 6 Metro South
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.
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PRAYERS
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 Please pray for our ELCA missionaries
Almost 100 new long-term missionaries and Young Adults in Global Mission will begin their service this fall. Please remember them in your daily prayers. For a free packet with a photo and daily prayer sign-up to post on a bulletin board, along with a short article suitable for a newsletter or temple talk, call 800-638-3522 or contact RIS@elca.org.
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 31
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
O God, with all your faithful followers of every age, we praise you, the rock of our life. Be our strong foundation and form us into the body of your Son, that we may gladly minister to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
North 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. The prayer list for upcoming months is available. Remember in prayer this coming Sunday:
8/31
Trinity Fort Collins, CO
Gabi and Meghan Aelabouni
Trinity Loveland, CO
Randy Pabst (Interim), Ann Maki
Zion Loveland, CO
Sonja and Joel Pancoast
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MISSION MOMENT
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Lutheran Disaster Relief in Gaza
The Situation:
It has been a frightening time in the Middle East. More than 1,800 people have been killed and nearly 10,000 injured - with most of the victims reported to be civilians and children.
Our brothers and sisters in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land have asked for our help. One way Lutheran Disaster Response responding is through Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem, a place that provides medical services regardless of race, gender, religious or political affiliation.
Working with The Lutheran World Federation, we have committed an initial $100,000 to Augusta Victoria Hospital for assistance in this humanitarian response. Medical professionals from Augusta Victoria Hospital are deployed in Gaza and are providing specialized care, medications and supplies to triage and treat patients. Patients with cancer and chronic illness are being moved from Gaza to Augusta Victoria to avoid deterioration of their health during the war and to relieve beds in Gaza for injured patients. In addition to care, their medical professionals are providing psycho-social support to patients who have been evacuated from Gaza.
Your gifts, designated for Gaza Humanitarian Assistance, will be used - 100 percent - in response to this crisis. We continue to monitor the situation closely and walk with our brothers and sisters affected by the crisis.
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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 Ro ger 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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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. 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
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER!
 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
Stretch & Pray
We are looking for 10-20 yoga mats for a Tuesday morning Stretch & Pray session. If you have an extra mat that someone could use for this session, please bring it along!
1st Annual Talent/No-Talent Show
Following worship on Wednesday night, we will gather for the first ever RMS Talent/No-Talent show. Anything goes! A piano, microphone, and screen will be available. Email Erin Power with any questions.
Worship Assistants
We are in need of assistants for our two worship services
Monday evening: 1 communion assistant; 4 prayer station leaders;
Wednesday evening: 2 communion assistants; 2 ushers;
Email Erin Power if you are interested in participating
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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.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 29
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TO THE POINT
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Young Adult Trip to the Holy Land
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.
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 September 10.
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EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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Read about recent JOB POSTS in the Rocky Mountain Synod. More information
Childcare for MOPS
Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills, CO
Bethany Lutheran MOPS is seeking caring and compassionate childcare workers for our Moppets program. We meet from 8:45-11:45 a.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month Sept-May. This position pays $12 per hour. We would love to have you join our team!! If interested, please contact Katie Marzec or Beth Northrop at BethanyLutheranMOPS@gmail.com
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.
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Interim Pastor Workshop
- Ordination for Sonja Sandquist
- Region 2 Consultation
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Campus Ministry
- Faith formation
- Candidacy
- Disaster Response Projects
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Faith Formation Strategic Planning
- Region 2 Consultation
- Interim Pastor Workshop
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- interim Pastor Workshop
- Cristo Rey, Denver, CO projects
- Ministry Reviews
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Lutheran Center Administration
- Transitions Database
- Theological Conference planning
Erin Power
- Theological Conference and Journey of Renewal Planning
- Ministry Review planning
- Assembly planning
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- NMCC Service and Outreach
- Interfaith Hunger Coalition
- Conference of Churches Board
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.
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
Utah Church Development Institute training in 2014/15
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.
registration
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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ELCA Day of Service Begins 60th Anniversary
Celebration for St. Luke Lutheran in Albuquerque
St. Luke volunteers will launch a whole Season of Service on September 6 and 7. They will be commissioned for service at the worship services. Outdoor enthusiasts will clean up the Bosque and help control invasive vegetation within a portion of Albuquerque's Open Space. Other volunteers will continue to lend helping hands in upcoming weeks and months at Lutheran Campus Ministry, at St. Martin's Hospitality Center, where homeless adults are assisted, and at the St. Luke Preschool, where a number of maintenance issues will be addressed. Bright yellow T shirts, worn by volunteers, will proclaim "God's Work, Our Hands." This message ties in well with the 60th Anniversary Celebration Theme: Faithfulness through Service and Healing. A large visual display will depict members putting their faith into action to share the love of God with all of God's people.
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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Lutheran College Fairs September 28 & 29
Two college fairs are scheduled in Colorado.
Denver, Colorado - Sunday, September 28
More information
Bethany Lutheran Church
Financial Aid Seminar: 6:15 p.m.
College Fair: 6:45 p.m.
Ft. Collins, Colorado - Monday, September 29
More information
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Financial Aid Seminar: 6:45 p.m.
College Fair: 7:30 p.m.
All events will include a financial aid seminar and hors d'oeuvre reception. No RSVP necessary.
New Beginnings Prison Ministry Fundraiser Celebrates 16 years of Ministry on October 10
A Celebration Fundraiser dinner for New Beginnings Prison Ministry will take place on
October 10 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and children 12 and under are free. It will take place at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 Alameda, Denver, CO.
RSVP to Kathy Melies 303-831-7023 or oslc915@juno.com.
For Silent Auction donations and inquiries please contact Heiko Meyer at heikomeyer01@gmail.com
Peace By Piece Symposium: Fort Collins November 7-9
On November 7-9, Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Collins will celebrate its first annual learning event for our Northern Colorado community focusing on issues of peace and justice: the Peace by Piece Symposium.
The Peace by Piece Symposium will begin on Friday, November 7, with an evening reception and opening remarks by our keynote speaker, Evan Hodkins, M,A, M. Div. and director of the school of Alchemy. On Saturday, November 8, the event will focus on primary discussions/information and will include special guest speakers, testimonials, and panel discussions. Additional Information about the Symposium.
"God's work. Our hands." parsonage renewal for Cristo Rey, Denver, needs volunteers September 1 & 2
We are in need of volunteers and donations for a "God's work. Our hands." service project. The Rocky Mountain Synod and Bethany Lutheran Church are working together to help renew the parsonage for Cristo Rey in Denver, one of our mission congregations.
Labor Day, Monday, September 1, and Tuesday, September 2, will be work days at the parsonage, which is located in Lakewood. We need volunteers to help clean, rip out carpet, and paint. On Labor Day, we will have a BBQ at noon for all volunteers. We also are in need of donations, including paint and cleaning supplies. You can drop off donations, or send a monetary gift to the Office of the Bishop. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Stephanie Quick Espinoza
P.S. We are also looking for a new or gently used washing machine for the parsonage. Please let us know if you can help. Gracias!
A Taste of Campus Ministry Beer Tasting & Friend-raiser!
Friday, September 19, 7pm
Niwot Market (7980 Niwot Rd, Longmont, CO)
You're invited to Lutheran Campus Ministry at CU-Boulder's first annual friend-raiser! We'll have six tastings from local, craft breweries with food pairings by Chef Justin of Niwot Market. In between the beer, you'll get a taste of campus ministry at CU-Boulder. We'll also have a selection of local craft ginger and root beers. While we hope to raise some funds for LCM-CU, we also want to bring together all the different people who make our ministry together on campus possible; alumni, friends, and local congregations. Everyone's invited!
The cost is just $25 and gets you a commemorative tasting glass. You can purchase tickets online with PayPal through the Facebook event page
or by emailing Pastor Zach Parris. We look forward to seeing you there!
South Metro Conference forms networking group
A new networking group is forming in the South Metro Conference. Everyone-laity, professionals, community leaders, clergy (of all denominations), neighbors and friends interested in building relationships and networking with our neighbors to help serve our community-is welcome. An informational meeting, WITH DINNER,will be September 29, at 6:30 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Lakewood. The council of Resurrection is graciously providing dinner so please RSVP to Resurrection, 303-922-0596 by September 22.
Theater & Theology kick-off is September 23
in Denver with The Unsinkable Molly Brown
Once again we invite your congregation to participate in Theater and Theology (T&T), which Rocky Mountain Synod Front Range congregations have been enjoying for nearly 25 years.
What is Theater & Theology? Participating congregations (and individuals) have enjoyed a special arrangement with the Theater Company of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA). After viewing a performance, we engage cast members in a moderated talkback on theological issues in the play. We see each of the company's productions at a reduced group price. Thew first play of the 2014-15 season is The Unsinkable Molly Brown on Tuesday, September 23. Reservation deadline is Tuesday, September 2. Ticket price is $35.
2014 Play schedule
Marriage Encounter weekend is October 10-12
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 bethdwalker@gmail.com
THIS FRIDAY: 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."
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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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