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OCTOBER 28, 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!
Exercise your right to vote!
Here are 4 ways to engage your congregation, from the ELCA Washington Office:
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4!
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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With gratitude for Pastor Everett's ministry as he retires
Pastor Paul Everett served Ascension Lutheran Church in Cheyenne, WY, for over nine years. Previously he served congregations in Montana. On September 30, he entered retirement after over 40 years of service. We give thanks for his faithful ministry in the Rocky Mountain Synod!
Sunday November 2 Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
O God, generous and supreme, your loving Son lived among us, instructing us in the ways of humility and justice. Continue to ease our burdens, and lead us to serve alongside of him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Upcoming Installations:
Sunday, November 16, 3:30 p.m.
Installation of LaVonne Johnson-Holt at St. Mark, Roswell, NM
Sunday, December 21 4 p.m.
Installation of Pastor RuthAnn Loughry at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Loveland, CO
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:
NOBEMBER 2014
ON LEAVE from CALL 11/2 Sandy Olson (AIM)
Paul Anderson
Jeremy Marbuger (AIM)
Mary Black (DM)
Karen Gibson
Kevin Cho
Tina Yankee
Gene Zeller
Justin Nickel
Julie McNitt
Rodney Hansen
Rick Green
Deb Engquist
Armando Rangel
Jim Hytjan
Cindy Josephson
Doug Kings
Jeff Louden
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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 is now open, 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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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, 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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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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new video resource
"A Sermon for Every Sunday"
Lutherans David Lose, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson are among the outstanding preachers who have recorded lectionary-based sermons on video as part of a project called "A Sermon for Every Sunday," intended as a resource for churches without pastors, churches in the interim, or churches that might simply need a supply preacher from time to time.
Any congregation with the capability of projecting video can see and hear America's best preachers on any-or every-Sunday of the year for the astonishingly low price of $4.99 per sermon. Visit the website for full details at www.asermonforeverysunday.com
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
- Zion, Limon, CO
- Spirit of Joy, Fort Collins, CO
- Mustard Seed House Churches, Fort Collins, CO
- Missional Gathering-Metro West
- Bethel, Windsor, CO
- Missional Gathering-North Colorado
- Four Winds, Denver, CO
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Region 2 Global Mission/World Hunger Consultation, Pacifica Synod
- Northern Colorado Conference Mission Gathering
- Four Winds, Denver, CO
- CU-Boulder Campus Ministry Review
- Companion Synod Committee
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Preach at Ascension, Ogden, UT
- Transitions and Call Process
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Lakewood,
- Four Winds, Denver, CO
- Lutheran Center & Call Process Administration
Erin Power
- Missional Gathering-Metro west
- Preach at Frasier Meadows, Boulder CO
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- Legislative Finance Committee meeting
- Preparation for Advocacy meeting
Peter Severson - Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
ELCA provides $100,000 to help contain Ebola
Thanks to genorous gifts from ELCA members like you to the Lutheran Church in Liberia and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone we are training health care workers, providing Ebola education about prevention, and distributing food to the many people isolated by the outbreak. More info.
- for a personal view from ELCA missionary Brian Palmer of the Ebola tragedy in Liberia: information
- To view a Lutheran Disaster Response video about the need of assistance: information
- To find out what you can do: 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
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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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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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.
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COLORADO
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Dr. Larry Kent Graham Pastoral Theology Conference
The Dr. Larry Kent Graham Pastoral Theology Conference is sponsored by Iliff to honor the outstanding contributions made by Graham over the course of his professional career. This conference revisits Dr. Graham's contributions and explores new directions emerging in the field of pastoral theology.
Friday November 7, 2014 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM MST
Iliff School of Theology, Shattuck Hall
2323 East Iliff Avenue
Denver, CO 80210
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
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.
Music at Saint Paul, Denver: Concert on November 9
And Jesus Said...
A Festival of Hymns on the Parables of Christ
Sunday, 9 November 2014-4:00 pm
Saint Paul Lutheran Church
1600 Grant Street
Denver, Colorado 80203-1602
A Festival of Hymns based on the Parables of Christ, with musical leadership provided by the Saint Paul Choir, the Augustana Lutheran Church Children's Choir, Youth Choir, and Youth Bell Choir, as well as a brass quintet, percussion, organ, and piano. Freewill Offering.
Michael Peterson returns to Bethany on 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.
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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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