|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 12, 2014
 Glass art panels to be installed
at the RMS Lutheran Center
A generous gift given to the glory of God is making possible the design, creation, and installation of three fused glass window panels in the new Rocky Mountain Synod Lutheran Center. The windows will be visible both from the worship area and the lobby. Morgan Madison was selected for the art commission. He is a Denver native who now resides in the Pacific Northwest. He says, "My work is influenced by place, specifically; I am intrigued by the colors, materials and forms that make up the man-made and natural environments around us. I am interested in them not only for their ability to tell us about the character of a place but about ourselves." A dedication celebration is planned for the monthly Office of the Bishop Eucharist on Wednesday, December 10 at 11:30 a.m. View more photos on Facebook.
Pictured above, the panels are ready to be loaded into the kiln for firing.
"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.
- The assembly begins around 2 p.m. on the Friday and concludes about noon on the Sunday.
- 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
SYOUTH GATHERING
|
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.
____________________________________
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.
 | |
ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod MSYG 2015 Video Promo
|
|
|
PRAYERS
|
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 16, 2014
Prayer of the Day
Righteous God, our merciful master, you own the earth and all its peoples, and you give us all that we have. Inspire us to serve you with justice and wisdom, and prepare us for the joy of the day of your coming, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
OTHER MINISTRIES
11/16
ELCA Global Missions
Missionaries
Erik Roth, Japan
Region 2
Margy Schmitt Ajer
California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, California
Christopher Kimball
Iliff School of Theology
Denver, Colorado
Rev. Tink Tinker
Pacific Lutheran Theological
Seminary
Berkeley, California
Wartburg College West
Denver, Colorado
Rev. Bonita Bock, Rev. Nelson Bock
Colorado Council of Churches
Denver, Colorado
Adrian Miller
|
|
PORTICO FINANCIAL SEMINAR
|
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.
REGISTER HERE
|
|
MISSION MOMENT
|
Advocacy and Immigration
On Saturday November 8, St. Timothy in Albuquerque hosted the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM annual conference. Rev. David Vasquez spoke about immigration through the lens of our Old Testament texts.
Rooting our conversations in Scripture is a powerful tool for engaging as people of faith in conversations that tend to be highly divisive. See the links below for a glimpse at how Rev. Vasquez engages the texts and resources for beginning these conversations in your congregation.
Transcript from presentation from Saturday:
Video Sermon:
Bible Study Resource:
|
|
THE ANCIENT CATECHUMENATE...TODAY
|
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
|
|
OUR LIFE TOGETHER
| |
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 15, 10 am
Border, Trinity in Las Cruces, NM
Saturday, December 6, 9 am
Metro South, Faith in Golden, CO
|
|
TO THE POINT
|
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.
|
|
EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
|
ORGANIST/PIANIST (Part Time)
St Philip Lutheran Church, has a opening for Organist/Pianist.This position is responsible for playing worship services and accompanying the adult choir, soloists, instrumentalists or ensembles in worship.
More information
SATURDAY CAMP DIRECTOR (Part Time)
Christ the King Lutheran - Denver, Colorado
This new position at Christ the King, will be responsible for planning and directing a 4-hour Saturday camp program for children in grades K-5For more Information Read about recent JOB POSTS in the Rocky Mountain Synod.: More information
|
|
 |
|
|
Bishop Jim Gonia
- First Call Theological Education, Salt Lake City, UT
- Installation of LaVonne Johnson Holt, Roswell, NM
- Missional Gathering-Border, El Paso, TX
- Trinity, Hobbs, NM
- El Paso, TX
- Artesia, New Mexico
Pastor Ron Roschke
- First Call Theological Education, Salt Lake City
- Sky Ranch Board
- LCM-CSU Board
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Spirit of Joy, Fort Collins, CO
- Mountain of Olives, Rock Springs
- Interim support Group
- Faith Formation Network
- Church Development Institute, Utah
- Mount of Olives, Rock Springs, WY
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
Pastor Kent Mueller
- RMS Environmental Stewards
- Vacation
Erin Power
- Ministry Review Organization
- Assembly Planning
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
-
State Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee
- Medicaid Coalition
-
Legislative Criminal Justice Sub committee
-
Mortgage Finance Authority Oversight Committe
-
Border Conference Missional Gathering-Las Cruces
-
Peace Lutheran Church-Las Cruces
Peter Severson - Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
|
| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
East Jerusalem: Documentary features ELCA supported hospital
"Healing in a Holy Land," A film about Augusta Victory Hospital offers, "a stark contrast to the images of war and death by holding up tangible evidence of positive work being done on the behalf of ELCA members, "says the producer of the film, Tim Frakes. See
|
QUICK LINKS
|
SOCIAL SERVICES
HEALTH CARE MINISTRY
SERVANT CORPS OUTDOOR MINISTRY
|
| 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
|
|
|
|
|
NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
|
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.
Cristo Rey invites and appreciates your contributions towards these holiday ministries.
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.
|
|
COLORADO
|
Lutheran Chorale Concert is Dec 4 in Lakewood
The Lutheran Chorale invites you to "Welcome the Joyous Season!" on Thursday, December 4th at 7:00 pm at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Pkwy, Lakewood. Purchase tickets in advance from the Lakewood Cultural Center. Concert features the joyous sounds of Vivaldi's "Gloria." Also on the program is the children's choir from Messiah Lutheran in Longmont and the Jubilate Choir from Lutheran High in Parker. Join the Chorale as together they sing and focus on the faith, family, and friends that make this time of year so meaningful.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
