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November 26, 2014
Bishop Gonia Blog:
Remembering the Sand Creek Massacre, 150 years later
"Saturday, November 29, 2014, will mark the 150th anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre. As people of faith, it is a moment for us to stop and reflect not only on the implications of this particular event for the witness of the Christian church but also on the broader story of the displacement of the Native peoples of this continent by white settlers..."
read the entire blog by Bishop Gonia
Sand Creek Massacre commemoration information
Sand Creek Massacre Commemoration Commission website
Premiere of Rocky Mountain PBS Documentary,
"Colorado Experience: Sand Creek Massacre"
Thursday, November 27, 7pm - 8pm
Airs on Rocky Mountain PBS
Film Screening: "The Sand Creek Massacre and the Civil War"
Saturday, November 29, 2pm - 3pm
History Colorado Center Auditorium, Broadway, Denver, CO,
The History Colorado Center is proud to host a screening of The Sand Creek Massacre and the Civil War, a National Park Service documentary produced by Denver-based Post Modern Company
Art Exhibit, "One November Morning: Art by Cheyenne and Arapaho Artists on Sand Creek"
November 4 through December 3, 2014
Denver Art Museum
Seeking a facilitator for
strategic planning in the RMS
The Executive Committee of the Synod Council is seeking a professional facilitator for Strategic Planning to work with the Synod Council over the next 18 months to create a strategic plan for the goals and priorities of the Rocky Mountain Synod. If you have names to recommend, please send them to Pastor Dana Peterson.
 Glass art panels to be dedicated at the RMS Lutheran Center Dec. 10
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. A dedication celebration is planned for the monthly Office of the Bishop Eucharist on Wednesday, December 10 at 11:30 a.m.
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YOUTH GATHERINGS
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Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp "Ride with the Ranches Bus Trip" to the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp is excited to partner with the congregations of the Rocky Mountain Synod, as we travel together to the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering: Rise up! Along the way, you get to know new friends and form a community with other high school youth and adults going to the gathering allowing you to jump right in when we arrive in Detroit.
Our goal is to make getting to and from the ELCA Youth Gathering as meaningful and stress free as possible for everyone, especially the adults! The cost (approximately $650) includes almost everything you need to travel to Detroit and get home safe and sound. The number of spots available will be determined by the number of buses that we are able to fill. For more information on Ride with the Ranches or to reserve your spots contact Kathryn Seyfarth at Kathryn@skyranchcolorado.org or call 970-493-5258.
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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Advent Spirituality Resources:
ANGLICAN EMAIL AND PHOTO SPIRITUALITY
All are invited to join with members of Anglican Communion Churches worldwide to celebrate Advent through prayer, meditation and by contributing to a global Advent calendar on Instagram. Sign up to receive an email each day at the link below, then take a photo of your interpretation, posting it on Instagram adding the day's tag plus #Adventword. (For example: #Imagine #Adventword.)
Sign up for the daily email at this link. You are invited to sign up for the email, even if you don't plan on posting photos. More information.
LUTHER SEMINARY ADVENT DEVOTIONAL
The 2014 Advent devotional and large-print devotional, "Your People Long to Greet You," is now available for download. The devotions are written by Luther Seminary graduate Shelley Cunningham, '98. As a subscriber to God Pause, you can receive these devotions in your inbox on a daily basis.
Upcoming Installations:
Sunday, December 21 at 4 p.m.
Installation of Pastor RuthAnn Loughry at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Loveland, CO
Saturday January 24, 2015, at 11 a.m.
Installation of Pastor Chris Heller, Messiah Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, NM.
Thursday November 27
Prayer of the Day
Almighty God our Father, your generous goodness comes to us new every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
This week we pray for our ELCA Churchwide Ministries and Staff, especially Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
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PEACE NOT WALLS
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Young Adult Pilgrimage to the Holy Land May 12-25, 2015
This is an amazing opportunity for young adults leaders (ages 18-30) to travel to the Holy Land on a pilgrimage of peace and justice! While there we will build relationships with young adults in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land, learn about the complexity of the conflict in Israel and Palestine, grow in our faith via a pilgrimage of "living stones," visit the holy sites, and learn how to pursue a more just world both locally and globally. The sign-up application and additional trip information can be found at Facebook.com/RMSPNW2015. Contact Melanie or Natalie at RMSPeaceNotWalls@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Please share this flier with any young adults you know who may be interested in joining us on this journey: more information.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land:
June 4-18, 2015
 See the ancient stones, the holy sites. Meet the living stones-the people who work for justice and peace in the land today. Experience the culture of hospitality; worship with Lutherans in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Sponsored by Peace Not Walls, Rocky Mountain Synod. Led by Pastor Alena Lamirato and Jan Miller. Details at http://www.apilgrimstales.com/tour. Contact Jan at 303-332-1263.
Please help publicize the trip by using the bulletin insert and announcements below:
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THE ANCIENT CATECHUMENATE...TODAY
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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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OUR LIFE TOGETHER
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Missional Gathering resources
now available
Bishop Jim Gonia has received requests for the Powerpoint and other materials presented at the Missional Gatherings this fall. Resources are posted on the synod homepage at www.rmselca.org.
Final Missional Gatherings is Dec. 6.
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, December 6, 9 am
Metro South, Faith in Golden, CO
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TO THE POINT
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The children & youth of Misi�n Latina Aurora, one of our new mission congregations, designed & colored Christmas cards to sell. The funds from the sale of these cards will help Misi�n Latina buy a Nativity set for their Posada celebration in December, which is a reenactment of Mary & Joseph looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem. An assortment of 6 cards are $5. 
You can purchase cards by contacting Pastor Jorge Espinoza at jorge.l.espinoza.perez@gmail.com
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 December 10, a dedication celebration for the Lutheran Center art windows.
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EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Centennial, CO
- All Saints, Albuqueruque, NM
- NM Conference of Churches Retreat
- Resurrection, Lakewood, CO
Pastor Ron Roschke
Pastor Sarah Moening
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
Pastor Kent Mueller
Erin Power
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- NM Conference of Churches Retreat
Peter Severson - Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Mission of the Month: New life for children inTanzania
Children in rural Tanzania are getting the medical care they need thanks to ELCA missionaries Dr. Stephen Friberg and his wife, Bethany Friberg. "mission doctors know it is God who does the healing" they say. Share this inspiring story with your congregation. For colorful Word document to display on bullletin board or use in a news letter or Power Point presentation, visit the website.
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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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Deutscher Weihnachtsgottesdienst
German Christmas Service
Service in German with Traditional Christmas Hymns
Sunday, December 21, 2014, 5:00 p.m.
A  German language Christmas Service will be held at Community of Joy Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico on Sunday, December 21, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. The Rev. Michael Bastian, German born Pastor at Community of Joy, will deliver the sermon and lead through the service in the German language. Traditional Christmas hymns and music will be provided. We welcome all visitors to our church for this special event and fellowship after the service. Invite your parents, bring your children. Spread the word to any of your friends who have connections to Germany and the German language and join us for this wonderful Christmas celebration. Website.
Las Cruces Border Conference Missional Gathering
As a participant in the 2014 RMS Missional Gatherings, Trinity Lutheran Church in Las Cruces, NM, hosted the Border Conference Missional Gathering, which included church's from southern New Mexico and far west Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. The conference was very well attended with all of the border conference churches sending a representative. The gathering was led by Bishop James Gonia and focused on Our Life Together.
Those attending included a variety of pastors (current, interim, retired), church leaders, council and committee members, congregation members and young adults and youth. There were breakout sessions on networking with other congregational councils, networking with our local communities and a session for youth regarding the youth gathering in Detroit in 2015 and discussion on border conference youth activities. At the close of the gathering, the group shared their lunch together and continued to chat with each other about the exciting experiences and connections that were made that day.
Jerry Reynolds, Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, thanked all those who attended, helped out and provided inspiration, especially the young adults and youth. He expressed how much everyone's participation was appreciated and valued.
Cristo Rey, El Paso, invites contributions
towards holiday food baskets
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey is putting together 90 Christmas food baskets.
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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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.
Film screening is December 6 at 3 p.m. at Augustana
Messiah, Denver, CO will be hosting two events
A Fair Trade Market that helps Artisans and Farmers all over the world on December 6 and 7. Also Messiah will have a German Language Christmas Service at 5 p.m. on December 21.
Dinner with Speaker Series: Christian Public
Witness in a Pluralistic Society & Book Signing
Sunday, December 7 at 5.00PM
She will also be at Tattered Cover in Denver on Colfax on Dec 4, 7pm
 Jennifer M. McBride is Board of Regents Chair in Ethics, Assistant Professor of Religion, and Director of Peace and Justice Studies at Wartburg College, a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
McBride is author of The Church for the World: A Theology of Public Witness (Oxford University Press, 2011) and co-editor of Bonhoeffer and King: Their Legacies and Import for Christian Social Thought (Fortress Press, 2010). She serves on the Board of Directors of the International Bonhoeffer Society, English Language Section.
Location December 7 at 5 p.m.: Multicultural Mosaic Foundation 10855 E. Bethany STE 100 Aurora, CO 80014 5.00pm Reception 5.30pm Welcome 6.15pm Lecture 6.45pm Q&A 7.00pm Book Signing  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
Save the Date: Colorado Faith Advocacy Day
Colorado Faith Advocacy Day 2015 will take place in Denver on Monday, February 16, 2015. Mark your calendars! More details about venue and speakers will be coming soon. Hosted by Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado.
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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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