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OCTOBER 14, 2014
photo by Jeffrey D. Louden
Urgent Portico Reminder:
Benefit choices needed by October 17 by each congregation
Has your congregation reported its 2015 ELCA-Primary health benefit selection to Portico? Your current health benefit option don't automatically roll over to 2015.
If you've already made your selection, thank you. If not, take note.
All organizations that sponsor members in the ELCA Benefit Program are required to take this simple, annual step even if they want to keep the same health benefit option they offer today. Rates change annually so it's important to consider your contribution cost for 2015, then lock in your 2015 selection on Portico's
EmployerLink website no later than Oct. 17.
If you have questions or are unable to report your decision by the deadline, please call Portico right away at 800.352.2876.
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PRAYERS
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Sunday, October 19
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sovereign God, raise your throne in our hearts. Created by you, let us live in your image; created for you, let us act for your glory; redeemed by you, let us give you what is yours, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Upcoming installations:
Saturday, October 25, 10 a.m.
Installation service of Pastor Emily Ewing at Christ the King in South Jordan, UT
Sunday, November 16, 3:30 p.m.
Installation of LaVonne Johnson-Holt at St. Mark, Roswell, NM
Synod Prayer Cycle:
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:
OCTOBER 2014
HOSPITAL and MILITARY CHAPLAINS
10/19
U.S. Army
Ft. Belvoir, Virginia
Lawrence Closter
U.S. Navy
Port Orchard, Washington
Michael Greenwalt
Poudre Valley Hospital
Ft. Collins, Colorado
Michael Lundgren
San Juan Medical Center
Farmington, New Mexico
Arthur Meyer
Presbyterian Health Care
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Janet Morse
Presbyterian Main Hospital
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Donald Thurn
Sky Ridge Medical Center
Centennial, Colorado
Laurie Jeddeloh
Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center
Lafayette, Colorado
Jennifer LaVie, DM
Teri Hermsmeyer
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SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GATHERING
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Annual Senior High Gathering is in Estes Park, November 21-23
 The theme is "Woven" and takes place at the Estes Park YMCA of the Rockies. The registration deadline is November 1. More information and registration.
YOUNG ADULTS PEER MINISTERS NEEDED
The Senior High Youth Gathering planning team is seeking faithful and responsible young adults to serve as
Cornerstone Peer Ministers. An applicant must be out of high school and ages 18-25. If you feel called to serve throughout this special weekend, then prayerfully consider serving as a Cornerstone Peer Minister for the 2014 Senior High Youth Gathering. Download the application at this link, and submit by November 1, the extended deadline.
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PORTICO FINANCIAL SEMINAR
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Early/Mid-Career
Financial Wellness Seminar
More than 15 years until you retire? Learn How to Minimize Debt, Optimize Assets, and Customize a Strategy for Retirement. Portico Benefit Services, in collaboration with Ernst & Young, invites you to join us for a day-long seminar on the fundamentals of personal finance. You�ll get information from a certified Ernst & Young financial planner on these questions and more:
- How can I reduce my debt?
- How much money will I need for retirement?
- How do I choose investment fund options in the ELCA Retirement Plan?
- How much life insurance do I need for myself and my family?
When: Friday, November 14, 9 a.m. � 3 p.m.
Where: Rocky Mountain Synod, 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO 80221
Materials and lunch will be provided
REGISTER HERE
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RMS WORLD HUNGER OPPORTUNITIES
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TWO World Hunger Events
November 7 & 8 at the
RMS Lutheran Center in Denver
Especially for pastors and key lay leaders.
Friday, November 7, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Join us for a deep discussion of how our Lutheran faith and heritage shape this life-saving work, key features of what accompaniment means and why we use it, and resources for seasons and other activities. Featuring Dr. Ryan Cumming, Program Director for Hunger Education ELCA World Hunger. Especially for rostered and key lay leaders.
FACES OF HUNGER WORKSHOP - NOV 7 & 8 REGISTRATION
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.
Friday, November 7, 7:00-8:30 p.m. and/or
Saturday, November 8, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
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MISSION MOMENT
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The Ebola Outbreak :
Lutheran Disaster Response
The Situation:
In the last several months, the Ebola outbreak has claimed thousands of lives. The virus has spread rapidly, and with no approved vaccine and a high fatality rate, the World Health Organization is now calling it "one of the world's most lethal diseases." Ebola has spread to multiple countries, the hardest hit being Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
In addition to health care, one of the most urgent needs is food. As people in affected areas are quarantined to their homes, towns are being shut down to limit the spread of the virus and people are not able to work, harvest crops or purchase food. The shipment of food has also stopped because people from other countries fear contracting the virus.
"We need food," says the Rev. D. Jensen Seyenkulo, bishop of the Lutheran Church in Liberia. "There is a saying now: 'If we don't die of Ebola, we will die of starvation.'"
Our Response:
Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to walking with our brothers and sisters affected by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Operating through our partners and companion churches, together we are:
- Supplying and shipping essential protective gear and supplies to protect medical workers at Phebe Hospital and Curran Lutheran Hospital in Liberia.
- Providing food assistance to the Lutheran Church in Liberia and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone.
- Raising awareness and providing sensitization messages on the symptoms and prevention methods of Ebola.
- Completing construction of an isolation center at Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing that meets World Health Organization standards.
Pray:
Pray for those affected or threatened by the virus that they may be granted healing and hope.
Give:
Your gifts designated for Ebola Outbreak Response will be used in full (100 percent) to assist those directly impacted by this crisis.
Connect:
This bulletin insert can be used in your congregation to spread awareness and raise gifts for our church's response to the Ebola outbreak.
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OUR LIFE TOGETHER
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Prayer Partners:
Prayer in Our Life Together
In connection with our theme,"Our Life Together", we are encouraging our congregations and partners in ministry to pray for and intentionally connect with another congregation/ministry through out the year.
Possible ideas:
- Pray for them each week during worship
- Connect with each other at your conference missional gathering
- Plan a fellowship event during Epiphany
- Pulpit swap during Lent
- Connect at Synod Assembly
Read Bishop Gonia's invitation and find your prayer partner here!
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OUR LIFE TOGETHER
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Register now for Sept/Oct Missional Gatherings in RMS Conferences
The focus of the 2014 Missional Gatherings will be on "Lutheran Spirituality" with special breakout sessions on networking with other congregational councils and networking with your local community. All rostered leaders, council members, outreach and evangelism committees, and congregation members are invited. Youth and young adult participation are encouraged.
Bishop Gonia and other representatives of Synod Council and the Office of the Bishop look forward to meeting with you for a time to be church together.
REGISTER NOW FOR ALL GATHERINGS
please register at least five days prior to each gathering
Sunday, October 19, 2:00 pm (refreshments at 1:30 pm)
Boulder/Broomfield, Bethlehem in Longmont, CO
Saturday, October 25
Utah, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Taylorsville, UT
10:00 a.m. All are invited to the installation service of Pastor Emily Ewing at Christ the King in South Jordan
11:30 a.m. Missional Gathering at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Taylorsville
Saturday, November 1, 10 am
Metro West (Metro), Advent, Westminster, CO
Sunday, November 2, 3 pm
North Colorado, Faith Lutheran Church in Eaton, CO
Saturday, November 8, 2 pm
North New Mexico, St. Timothy in Alburquerque
Sunday, November 9, 3 pm
Southeast Colorado, First Lutheran in CO Springs
Saturday, November 15, 10 am
Border, Trinity in Las Cruces, NM
Saturday, December 6, 9 am
Metro South, Faith in Golden, CO
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Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
Confirmation Retreat
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp invites you and your youth to join us for our annual Confirmation Retreat from November 7-9, 2014. This retreat will be focused on the theme of downtime and the role it plays in faith. Our keynote speaker, Jason Davis, will lead discussions and group activities of finding practices and times where God can work in our lives, especially in the busy lives of teens. Register your group online
Rainbow Trail: Bridging Borders 2015
Looking for a service opportunity for your high school youth? Rainbow Trail's Bridging Borders program offers a variety of service trip options both domestic and abroad that focus on walking with our brothers and sisters in Christ on their journeys. In 2015, Rainbow Trail staff will lead high school youth on trips to Boulder in support of the flood relief efforts, to Mexico with Casas por Cristo to build houses for families in need, and to Ecuador to work with an organization called Rescate Ecuador to serve children and families in remote Ecuadorian villages. More information.
Youth and Family Ministry
certification school survey
Sky Ranch and Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camps both believe in supporting Youth and Family Ministry in the congregations of the RMS. They hope that every congregation that wants a dynamic and educated person working in Youth and Family Ministry can have one, and they want to help that process by partnering with congregations to bring a Vibrant Faith Ministries Youth and Family Ministry certification program to the Rocky Mountain Synod.
Please give ONE MINUTE of your time TODAY to help them determine the need for this value education to come to the RMS, just click this link. Thank you, and really, it will only take a minute!
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2015 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING
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ELCA GATHERING REGISTRATION
GOES LIVE! OCTOBER 15
Go to: elca.org/YouthGathering
There is a cap on how many people can sign up, so register ASAP. This IS the Gathering: to live and to celebrate the long-standing ELCA tradition of inviting our youth to experience and explore their faith in Story and Justice, the Community that shows us hospitality, and Proclaim Jesus in a HUGE way. Join us as we Gather in Detroit in 2015.
So here is what you can do in getting ready:
(1) The ELCA has a website: http://www.elca.org/YouthGathering
(2) The Rocky Mountain Synod has a Facebook page: ELCA Youth Gathering Bound RMS
(3) The Synod's coordinator: Carolyn Gage kyuyu@comcast.net
(4) You may twitter at www.twitter.com/elcagathering or @elcagathering
(5) You can also get a playlist for the Gathering at www.YouTube.com/elca
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MEN's MINISTRY REUNION
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One Year to Live Reunion
Saturday, October 18, 2014
1:00 pm t0 4:00 pm
at The Lutheran Center
7375 Samuel Drive
Denver, CO 80221
We invite all One Year to Live Retreat Alumni and their families to join us for a reunion. We will check-in, catch up, follow the reunion protocol that Lyman Coleman wrote for the current version of the One Year to Live, celebrate what God is doing in our lives, and reconnect. We will have soft drinks, water, and snacks. We intend to conclude with some ice cream.
Brothers, join us please! Email Jim Monkman to let him know you plan to attend or call him at 817-346-0943 or 303-642-1026.
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TO THE POINT
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Young Adult Trip to the Holy Land
We are still looking for young adults (ages 18-30) to join us 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 Facebook.com/RMSPNW2015. Contact Melanie or Natalie at RMSPeaceNotWalls@gmail.com if you have any questions.
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 November 12.
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EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Missional Gathering- Boulder/Broomfield Conference
- Orientation for New Council Members
- Synod Council
- Preach at Lord of the Hills, Centennial, CO
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Host Colorado flood tour for Lutheran Disaster Response
- Campus Ministry Committee
- Synod Council
- St. Luke, Albuquerque, 60th Anniversary
- Visits in El Paso
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Preach at Ascension, Cheyenne, WY
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Lutheran Center & Call Process Administration
- Preach at Cross of Christ, Broomfield CO
- Missional Gathering- Boulder/Broomfield
Erin Power
- Event planning
- Ministry Review coordination
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- Medicaid Coalition
- St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
Peter Severson
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
- CSLC Fall Voter Forum
- Synod Council
- Preach at Glory of God, Wheat Ridge 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 congregations bulletin board, or use in your bulletin or Power Point presentation,
visit the web.
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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
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
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Climate Justice Summit took place October 14
 Lutherans from Logan, Salt Lake City and Park City, UT, joined their ecumenical partners for a Climate Justice Summit at the Episcopal Center in downtown Salt Lake City on October 14. The goal is to connect with each other that together we will have a common witness for the sake of the planet. The event was sponsored by Utah Interfaith Power & Light.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Cristo Rey-El Paso Hosts Annual KERMES
Carnival / Fundraiser
Cristo Rey, El Paso, TX, seeks donations and attendees for its annual KERMES, Saturday, October 25 from noon-7:00 p.m. at the church (1010 E Yandell, El Paso, TX 79902). Come with your family to eat, play, and have fun! Help raise funds to support the Cristo Rey ministry! The goal is to raise $3000 by selling delicious border food, such as enchiladas, tamales, gorditas, and more! Games and fun for all ages!
Donations are also needed for this event. If you can contribute any of the following, please call at 915-544-6545.
Raffle:
one adult bicycle
2 children's bicycles
cash for the grand prize
Food items:
50 lb bag of Maseca corn flour
ground beef (up to 40 lbs) & brisket (2 big blocks)
cheese (big blocks of asadero preferred, muenster ok)
100 decorated cupcakes (a great youth group/small group project!)
plastic forks, spoons, plates, 20 oz cups, napkins, take-out boxes, half gallon ziplock bags
paper towels & all-purpose cleaner
The St. Peter Pumpkin Patch is Open in Carlsbad, NM
The St. Peter Pumpkin Patch is a charitable fundraiser with all proceeds being donated to local not-for-profit organizations and groups in Carlsbad, NM, as well as our mission-partner Iglesia Luterana Christo Rey in El Paso, TX. This year�s local recipients are: Jonah�s House Food Pantry, and the Carlsbad Battered Families Shelter. Thrivent Financial also provides matching funds.
The unloading of the pumpkins has become an annual community event with dozens of volunteers from our local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Club, the Carlsbad Fire department, and many more! The Pumpkin Patch is open daily through October 31. Story-time for area Pre-schools is offered every Tuesday & Thursday morning during the month of October (please contact St. Peter Lutheran Church 575-887-3033 to make a reservation.)
LOCATION: St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1302 W. Pierce Street, Carlsbad NM
88220
Hours: Monday � Friday: 3:00 �- 7:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am �- 7:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 �- 5:00 pm
Please register now! A few spots remain!
Equipping leaders to maximize their impact:
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) & Human Relations (HR) Workshop
November 17 - 21, 2014
The Bosque Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tuition: $595.00
EQ 360 Assessment: $199.00
Meals and Lodging on Campus: Single $406.00, Commuter: $228.00
(an additional event will take place in Colorado next year!)
What happens as an EQ-HR Workshop?
This core EQ HR Center workshop is an intensive 5-day session designed to enable participants to learn about, build and practice emotional intelligence skills in a small group setting. Skilled facilitators provide tools and feedback to enable participants to learn about themselves and to immediately practice emerging skills. As group life unfolds, participants give and receive feedback regarding the impact they have on others in the group. Participants will learn both inter-personal and intra-group communication skills. The content of the workshop revolves around the five areas of emotional intelligence as keys to improving leadership effectiveness for faith-based leaders.
What is the EQ 360 Assessment?
As part of this core event, workshop participants complete a comprehensive self-assessment of their emotional intelligence. They also identify up to 20 people who know them well and are willing to complete the same assessment in order to provide valuable feedback. What results is a detailed report of one's Emotional Intelligence strengths and development needs. This will be for the participant's eyes only and will provide possible personal items to be explored in one's small group.
Register online at www.eqhrcenter.org
St. Luke continues 60th anniversary celebration
view stories and photos about the St. Luke celebration
All will be invited to Celebration Worship that includes Holy Communion with the Rite of Healing on October 18 and 19 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, NM. Pastor Ben Larzelere will lead the 5 PM service on October 18. Pastor Ron Roschke, Assistant to Bishop Gonia of the Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, will lead the 8 AM and 10:15 AM services on October 19. There will be special instrumental music at all services. The Rite of Healing will be open for all (open, not required). The Rite of Healing will include prayers, the laying on of hands, and anointing with oil.
Lutheran Advocacy Day NM is November 8
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David V�squez
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The 2014 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico conference will be on Saturday, November 8 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Albuquerque (211 Jefferson NE 87108). The conference will take place from 9:00 am until 1 pm and the cost is $15 per person, including lunch. Session topics will include advocacy basics, hunger, immigration and more. Our featured speaker will be Pastor David V�squez, author of several Bible studies from the perspective of immigrants and refugees. Pastor V�squez is currently a campus pastor at Luther College and recently selected as the new president of Pacific School of Religion. Plan now to attend and learn more about advocating for our many neighbors l iving in poverty. To register or for more information, contact Ruth Hoffman at ruth@lutheranadvocacynm.org or 505.984.8005. Registration deadline: November 4.
UNM Immigration Film Festival
and Symposium is October 14-28
UNM's Luther House received a substantial grant from the Knutson Endowment for campus ministry in the ELCA to host "People On The Move -- Immigration and Faith" -- a Film Festival October 14-28 and an Immigration Symposium with Rev. David Vasquez as a guest speaker from November 4 through 9. The Public Events and information about the speaker are on the bulletin insert. We hope that many of you from the Border Conference and from congregations in Northern New Mexico will join us at the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Conference on November 8. Informational bulletin insert.
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COLORADO
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Musica Sacra Chamber Orchestra Concert Nov 18 & 19
 In Lakewood Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Colorado Christian University. In Denver at Augustana Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m.
The theme for the season is "Masterworks," which means that every concert is comprised of topnotch works for chamber orchestra. This weekend the orchestra is playing Respighi's Three Botticelli Pictures, Ravel's Pavane for a Dead Princess, and Dvorak's Serenade for Winds. More information and tickets.
Michael Peterson returns for a
Bethany Concert November 22
 Michael Peterson, an award-winning Country and Western recording artist, and his manager and spouse, Col (ret) Jill Chambers are on a journey together helping veterans transition to civilian employment when their military commitments are through. Michael will be coming off a performance in Switzerland where he was in concert with a philharmonic orchestra.
Michael will present a concert in the Bethany Lutheran Church sanctuary on November 22 at 7 pm.
Michael is returning to benefit veterans through assisting Bethany's veteran's ministry, Operation One Nation. There will be a dinner from 5-6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall prior to the concert. A freewill offering will be gathered at the event and all are invited to attend. If you plan on attending the dinner, please RSVP to Janet Mortinsen at janet@bethany-denver.org or 303-300-3317. You are invited to enjoy this entertaining evening with music and a message in order to assist military members and their families.
Eric Wicks organ recital is October 26 in Colorado Springs
 On Sunday, October 26, at 3 p.m., First Lutheran Church will present organist Eric Wicks in a recital of works including pieces by J.S. Bach, C�sar Franck, Dan Locklair, Camille Saint-Sa�ns, and Louis Vierne. Admission is free, and a reception will follow.
Wicks has served as organist at First Lutheran since January, 2013. Before that, he spent eight years in Western Pennsylvania as music director at the Butler First United Methodist Church. He has also served churches in Cleveland, Ohio; and in Eastern Washington State.
Lutheran Chorale concert is October 19 at 3 p.m
The Lutheran Chorale invites you to join them for a Reformation Concert on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at 3:00 p.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church,
2100 N. Wadsworth. By Grace, Faith and Scripture Alone was the battle cry of the Reformation. From this confession many denominations were born and believers chose to write their confession of faith in hymns that are treasured now by much of Christianity. Join as they sing and hear the words penned by fellow believers inspired by their trust in Christ , who opened the way of everlasting life! More info at www.thelutheranchorale.org
The Church for the World:
What does it mean for the church to be a witness in the public arena?
At St. John's Cathedral on October 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
1350 Washington St., Denver, CO
 Capitol Hill United Ministries (CHUM) invites clergy, congregational leaders, faith-based agencies, and all who are interested in growing the relevancy of the church in our world to a powerful presentation and discussion by Wartburg College Theologian, Jennifer M. McBride. Jenny will lead a discussion on the following critical issues: What does it mean for the church to be a witness in the public arena? What is a theology of public witness? How can we create an atmosphere where the church is a vehicle of concrete redemption? Lunch will be provided � a free-will offering will be asked. Please RSVP by October 16 to Diana Flahive, CHUMCM at flahive@flahive.us
The St. Olaf Band to perform in Colorado October 15 and 16
The St. Olaf Band, dubbed "one of America's preeminent bands" by The New Yorker, will perform in Albuquerque, NM, Monument, CO, and Denver on October 14, 15, and 16 as part of its 2014 national tour. You can find More information or by calling 800-363-5487. The St. Olaf Band's national tour program, "Mostly British," will center around music from the United Kingdom
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.
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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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