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OCTOBER 22, 2014
2015 Compensation Guidelines approved by Synod Council
For several years the Synod Council has been in the process of reviewing and revising the compensation guidelines to better take into consideration differing settings and circumstances throughout the vast Rocky Mountain Synod. A new process for determining compensation has been approved by the Synod Council of the Rocky Mountain Synod. Some video education materials are in the process of being developed. View the new compensation guidelines.
Election Day is coming soon!
Here are 4 ways to engage your congregation, from the ELCA Washington Office:
1. Share why you think it is important to vote! Our Called to be a Public Church: Discussion Guide provides information to begin a conversation in your congregation.
2. Download the updated Called to Be a Public Church Guide (2014) to find out ways you can help increase voter turnout in your congregation and community!
3. Use our Bulletin Insert Pledge Card to encourage voting in your church bulletin/newsletter.
4. Pledge to vote this November and sign up for updates on how you can promote civic engagement in your community on our ELCA Google Form.
Make sure you're registered to vote! In Utah, you can register to vote online until Oct. 28. In Colorado, you can register online until Oct. 27; after that, you may register in person at a polling center through Election Day on Nov. 4. Voter registration is closed in Wyoming, New Mexico, and Texas.
Building Relationships and Supporting our Companion Synods in Madagascar  Since the 2013 Trip to Madagascar, the Companion Synod Committee has been working on ways the congregations in the Rocky Mountain Synod can support our companion synods in Madagascar and how we can continue to build relationships with them.
There are two opportunities to get involved in to do this exact thing: Motorcycles for Madagascar and Madagascar Connections-hosting Malagasy youth this summer. Please see the flyer for more information on these two wonderful opportunities to build relationships with and support our brothers and sisters in Madagascar.
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PRAYERS
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Sunday, October 26
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
O Lord God, you are the holy lawgiver, you are the salvation of your people. By your Spirit renew us in your covenant of love, and train us to care tenderly for all our neighbors, 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
SOCIAL MINISTRIES AND AGENCIES
10/26
Border Servant Corps
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Kari Lanander
Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center
Brush, Colorado
Shelly Griffin
Rosalie (Ro) Fesser, DM
Dan Hays
Emerson Gardens
Denver, Colorado
Jan Wright
Lutheran Family Services Rocky
Mountains
Denver, Colorado
Jim Barclay
Lutheran Social Services of the South
El Paso, Texas
Jose Alamillo
Lutheran Social Services of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Leslie Whited
Lutheran Refugee Services
Denver, Colorado
James Horan
Luthercare, Inc.
Casper, Wyoming
Jill Elliott
Mosaic
Omaha, Nebraska
Linda Timmons
Urban Servant Corps
Denver, Colorado
Krista Kilgas
Mercy Regional Medical Center
Durango, Colorado
Joshua Magyar
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SYOUTH 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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The 2015 Middle School Youth Gathering is January 16-18
in Colorado Springs
 The theme is, "Here we Go!" and the planning team has been hard at work getting plans underway! Information about the gathering is posted on the RMS website. Registration will open next week, and the deadline is December 1.
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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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God's Work. Our Hands:
Mobile Action Ministries
If you happen to be on the east side of St. Paul, Minn., on Thursdays during lunchtime, there's a place where you can get a fresh, healthy meal, free of charge. Enjoy a homemade meat or veggie hand pie and salad, along with a cool glass of water and a genuine sense of community. And if you feel like hanging around, there's a Bible study and prayer service.
Shobi's Table, a mobile food truck restaurant and portable ministry, reaches out to people who are confronting homelessness and other hardships. Thanks in part to a grant from the ELCA churchwide organization through Mission Support, this new food truck ministry serves about 80 people every week.
Margaret Kelly, pastor of this unique mission start in the ELCA Saint Paul Area Synod, describes it as "a ministry of, by and for folks struggling on the margins in St. Paul." Watch a video interview with Pastor Margaret.
The mission support we give through our offerings, supports new ministries like Shobi's Table. Feeding God's people, We are Church: Better Together.
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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
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 is Underway
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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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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Contemporary Worship Drummer (part time)
Christ Lutheran Church, Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Christ Lutheran Church is searching for an experienced Drum Set player to work together with other instrumentalists and vocalists in providing musical leadership for the congregation as part of Crossroads Band, CLC's main contemporary worship band. This is a temporary position for November and December 2014. $50 per week. Contact Linda Holcombe, CLC Director of Music for more information or to email resume and cover letter:
Read about recent JOB POSTS in the Rocky Mountain Synod.: More information
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Madagascar WebEx
- Episcopal Diocese of Utah
- Installation of Pastor Emily Ewing, Christ the King, South Jordan, UT
- Missional Gathering in Utah at St Matthew
- Elim, Ogden UT 125 Anniversary
- Deans WebEx
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Campus Ministry Committee
- St. Luke, Albuquerque, 60th Anniversary
- El Paso visits
- Preach at St. Luke, Gillette, WY
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Church Development Institute, Woodland Park, CO
- Joy Lutheran Church, Parker, CO
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Lutheran Center & Call Process Administration
- Church of the Resurrection, Lakewood, CO
Erin Power
- Installation of Pastor Emily Ewing, Christ the King, South Jordan, UT
- Utah Missional Gathering
- Assembly Planning Team Meeting, St. Matthew's, Taylorsville, UT
- St. Matthew's, Taylorsville, UT
- Elim, Odgen, UT 125th Anniversary Celebration
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- Legislative Health and Human services Committee
- Visit to the Artesian Immigration Detention Facility
- Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
- LAM_NM Policy Committee meeting
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 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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WYOMING
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Martin Luther movie and discussion Oct 25 in Buffalo, WY
All are invited to join the Rev. Ron Roschke of the Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop for a viewing of the Martin Luther movie and a discussion on Luther and the Reformation at St. Luke's in Buffalo starting at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25
Katie Luther brings Reformation message to Good Shepherd, Casper, on October 26
The community is invited to a special one-time appearance by Katie Luther, wife of famous 16th Century Protestant reformation leader Martin Luther, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Casper, Wyoming. Katie, portrayed by church council member Sharon Henricks, will speak during the 9:30 a.m. service on Reformation Sunday, October 26, on her courageous stand for Christ during turbulent times, and her loving encouragement of her husband. Come to Good Shepherd on Sunday, October 26, and meet the former nun who was also a caring mother, drove the family wagon, tended garden, and brewed excellent beer. More information.
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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.
LOCATION: St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1302 W. Pierce Street, Carlsbad NM
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
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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Faces of Hunger Workshop at the Lutheran Center
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
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.
Global Gift Fair is Nov. 8 & 9 at Atonement, Denver/Lakewood
Unique items from around the world will be for sale at the Atonement Lutheran Church Global Gift Fair, November 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Sales offer FAIR TRADE to the artisans. The church is located at 6281 W. Yale, Lakewood, Colorado. For more information, call 303-985-1122. Download the Flyer
Peace by Piece Symposium, Fort Collins, CO, Nov. 7-8, 2014
 You're warmly invited to the Peace by Piece Symposium at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Collins November 7-8, 2014: An interfaith learning event for the Northern Colorado community focusing on issues of peace and justice. The purpose of the symposium is to create awareness and facilitate conversation about local or global issues of social justice and peacemaking.Through keynote speakers, panel discussions, small group discussion, and a nonprofit resource fairof local organizations, participants will gain new insights from a variety of faith perspectives and will be empowered to respond with advocacy, aid, or action.
The Peace by Piece Symposium will begin on Friday, November 7, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with an evening reception and opening remarks. On Saturday, November 8, the program will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be included. The symposium is open to all who are interested at a cost of $15 for individuals, $25 per couple, or $5 for students. Learn more and register.
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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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