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"RMS Environmental Stewards" is new task force to follow up the assembly resolution
 A Webex meeting takes place Wednesday, November 12 at 1:30 p.m. as a follow-up to the resolution on the environment adopted at the spring 2014 Assembly. Read the resolution.
Next steps will be discussed for resolution action, and interested persons are invited to join in. A Webex meeting means reducing our carbon footprint! If you would like to participate, please email Kent Mueller for login instructions. The Webex meeting is scheduled for the second Wednesday each month.
Town Hall Event: the ELCA Draft Social Message on Gender Based Violence
 Lutheran Church of the Master, Lakewood, CO, will hold a town hall style "listening" event on the ELCA's draft social message on gender based violence on Monday, November 17. Beginning with refreshments and mingling at 6:45 p.m., the conversation takes place at 7:00 p.m. and concludes by 8:30 p.m.
This event is open to the general public and will offer a time of education, conversation, and listening on the issue of gender based violence in our culture and throughout the world. For more information on the social message and to download a draft please go to: http://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Current-Social-Writing-Projects/Gender-Violence
Lutheran Church of the Master is located at 14099 West Jewell Ave. Lakewood, CO 80228.
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 Madagasca |
Looking ahead to the 2015 Assembly:
May 1-3 in Salt Lake City
As we look ahead to the Assembly in 2015, please take note of these important points:
- The assembly falls over a Friday-Saturday-Sunday for the first time in many years. This is a matter of inclusivity and hospitality for the lay voting members so that they don't have to take off as many work days or school days.
- Resources will be provided for the Sunday worship, so that it may be led by lay persons throughout the synod, since clergy will all be in attendance at the assembly. A sermon resource will be provided either to be read, or to be presented on video.
- The registration cost for each voting member will be around $300 (as usual), with the cost of a hotel room at around $115 (single or double).
- Travel equalization generally will not apply, since such a high number of participants will be traveling.
- We will do the best we can to assist congregations with financial challenges.
- Many voting members and visitors will choose to fly on Southwest, and Southwest tickets for May are expected to be available for reservation as of November 10.
- Salt Lake City has Light Rail public transportation from the airport to the SLC Sheraton, so renting cars or using busses/vans should not be necessary for most.
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New Perspective on Compensation Guidelines in the RMS
For many years, the compensation guidelines took about 12 seconds to figure out. Look at the chart. Find your years of service. Jot down a number.
The new guidelines, in contrast, are an invitation into conversation, and the process results in a salary range, not a singular number.
The process takes into consideration differences in housing costs since the Rocky Mountain Synod covers such a vast territory.
Synod Council approved these new guidelines for use starting now, as budgets are being determined for 2015.
A series of videos is posted to aid in understanding the new guidelines.
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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 was November 1, but it's not too late to register. More information and registration.
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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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ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod MSYG 2015 Video Promo
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PRAYERS
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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
November 9, 2014
Prayer of the Day
O God of justice and love, you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son. Give us the light we need, and awaken us to the needs of others, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
OTHER MINISTRIES
11/9
New Beginnings Church
(Prison Ministry)
Terry Schjang
New Mexico Conferences of Churches
Bernalillo, New Mexico
Rev. Dr. Donna McNiel
Wyoming Association of Churches
Sheridan, Wyoming
Douglas Goodwin
HeartLight Center/Horan & McConaty
Mortuary (Grief Ministry)
Jennifer McBride (D.M.)
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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.
When: Friday, November 14, 9 a.m. �to 3 p.m.
Where: Rocky Mountain Synod, 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO 80221
Materials and lunch will be provided.
THE SEMINAR MAY BE VIEWED BY WEBEX. REGISTER AS USUAL BUT PLEASE NOTE YOU NEED THE MATERIALS MAILED TO YOU. AND REGISTER RIGHT AWAY SO THERE IS TIME TO GET THEM IN THE MAIL.
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 Fall 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 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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TO THE POINT
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The Enneagram: Window to the Soul
Seminar takes place at St. John's Cathedral, Denver, CO 80203 on Thursday, November 6, 2014, from 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Cost is $15-35 (as you are able). We will not being taking the Enneagram at this workshop. If you want to take the testing go to
Crossings Seminar takes place in Missouri
Pastor Jason McSpadden and Mark Meyer highly recommend the Crossings seminar which illustrates a six-step method for understanding scripture, for preaching, teaching, and connecting faith with daily life. More information on this January seminar is at
http://www.crossings.org/conference
Retreat - Reflect - Renew
It's great for youth, adults, councils, or staff, and Rainbow Trail can help make the planning and leadership of a retreat easy for you. With amazing hospitality, great food, comfortable lodging, and lots of program options, the staff at RTLC can help you put together a wonderful retreat for your congregation. CLICK HERE
or contact Ben Larson, 719-431-0050 or ben@rainbowtrail.org, for more information.
Young Adult Trip to the Holy Land is next May
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
- Northern NM Missional Gathering
- Trinity, Monument, CO
- SE CO-Missional Gathering
Pastor Ron Roschke
- CU Boulder Campus Ministry Review
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Northern Colorado Conference Young Adult Strategy
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Candidacy work
- First Call Theological Education, Salt Lake City
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Mobillity Call, Region 2
- Spirit of Joy, Fort Collins, CO
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Ascension, Ogden, UT
- Lutheran Center & Call Process Administration
Erin Power
- Mount Hope, El Paso, TX
- Cristo Rey, El Paso, TX
- UNM Campus Ministry, Albuquerque, NM
- LAM-NM Advocacy Conference
- North New Mexico Missional Gathering
- Valley, Los Lunas
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
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Interfaith Hunger Coalition
- NM Coalition to End Homelessness
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LAM-NM Advocacy Conference
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North NM Missional Gathering
Peter Severson - Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
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Faces of Hunger Theological Event
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UNC Campus ministry Visit
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Adult Forum at Our Savior's, Greeley, CO
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SE Colorado Missional Gathering
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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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Lutheran Social Services of the South Celebrates
National Adoption Month this November
November is National Adoption Month, an effort with roots that date back to 1976. This month-long focus on the need for adoptive and foster families begins with a Presidential Proclamation, and is celebrated across the country as thousands of community organizations draw attention to the issue of adoption. Today Lutheran Social Services of the South (LSS), with its own history of more than 8,000 adoptive placements since 1945, adds its voice to the chorus through its various adoption services � domestic and international adoption, as well as unplanned pregnancy and foster-to-adopt.
We are passionate about helping create new families through foster and adoption services, said Dr. Kurt Senske, CEO of LSS. We are blessed with the opportunity to be involved in the process of changing parents�and children�s lives forever.
Texans who are interested in adoption can visit LSS Children's Services for more information.
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!)
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.
Cristo Rey, El Paso, invites contributions
towards holiday food baskets
 Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey is putting together 90 Christmas food baskets for the families in their After School Program, the church, and families of the surrounding community that need assistance to enjoy this holiday season.
Please send your donation or gift cards to Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey and put in the memo: "Christmas Projects." The address is 1010 East Yandell Drive El Paso, TX 79902.
You are invited to the Christmas Posadas
 Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey
Saturday, December 13th at 5:30 p.m.
1010 East Yandell Drive
During the annual "Posadas," 200-300 people come to reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph and later celebrate with Mariachis and the traditional Mexican Christmas meal. They are also selling holiday tamales.
Las Posadas will begin at the Church (1010 E. Yandell) at 5:30 pm where the Christmas Play and Service will take place. The meal, Mariachis, Pi�ata, and celebration will be at 915 Florence at 7:00 pm. Cost is $10 per person, but free for people who make donations for this event. Please reserve your ticket soon! For more information call Rose Mary at 544-6545 or 422-6545.
For more information or to view the flyer, click here.
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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.
Fair Trade Fair is Nov 22 and 23
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.
 Colorado Gives Day is December 9!
Support the ministries of RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP through the Community First Foundation on Colorado Gives Day, December 9, 2014. You can make a huge difference in this ministry by providing funds for camperships, summer staff salaries, site improvements, and much, much more. Mark your Calendars: December 9, 2014. 24 hours to Give Where You Live! You can schedule your gift now at www.coloradogives.org/rainbowtrail
St. Andrew, Arvada, dedicates Healing Arts Center
St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Arvada dedicated a Healing Arts Center on October 19 as part of the celebration of St. Luke the Physician. The Healing Arts Center came about in the course of the congregation's self study in the interim process.
Unused Sunday Schools rooms were cleaned out and renewed with paint and modest modifications. They now provide office space for healing practitioners of different modalities. Pastoral Counseling for Denver has maintained an active office here for many years.
They are now joined by Barb Brown, dba Inspired Healing, LLC Marsha Clark, a Registered Massage Therapist.
Following The Way of Christ: Making disciples for a 21st Century Church A three day training event for parish teams January 9-11, 2015 St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Arvada, CO
download the event flyer  The Way is an expression of the ancient catechumenate process of forming new Christians. It is also a tool for today's church to welcome people back to faith and shape them in the primary faith practices of worship, prayer, scripture, and ministry to the world.
This is a lay-driven process that connects the faithful people of your congregation with newcomers in a way that invites deep and honest conversation bout living the Christian Way amid the challenges of life in a rapidly changing first world milieu. Bring a team from your congregation, clergy and lay, to learn about The Way and bringing others to Christian discipleship while deepening the faith practices of your congregation. email: revbevpiro@gmail.com
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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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