|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 10, 2014
|
video featuring artist Morgan Madison
|
Art glass panels were installed at the RMS Lutheran Center on Monday
Extraordinary glass art now graces the Rocky Mountain Synod Lutheran Center, created by artist Morgan Madison. Originally from Colorado, he now resides in the Seattle area, where he created the windows which were shipped to Denver and arrived on December 8. Morgan travelled here for the installation, and he was assisted by his father, Morris. The art installation was made possible through a generous anonymous gift, given to the Glory of God. We express our gratitude!
Glass art panels to be dedicated at the RMS Lutheran Center Dec. 10
The windows are 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.
2015 Synod Assembly Information
Packet
Important Pre-Assembly Information is now available. Please download the Pre-Assembly Packet and share with your leadership. It includes information about advance deadlines, cost, travel arrangements, video contest, t-shirt contest, and more!
Art/Environment Volunteer Team: We are currently seeking volunteers to be a part of our Art & Environment Team. Help us create a space that celebrates "Our Life Together." Contact Erin Power for more information
|
|
YOUTH GATHERINGS
|
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 late registrations are still being accepted.
|
|
PRAYERS
|
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.
RMS Prayer Cycle
DECEMBER 2014: UTAH CONFERENCE The prayer cycle includes congregations and rostered leaders in the Rocky Mountain Synod. The prayer listings are available in advance at this link.
12/14
Elim Ogden, UT
Dana Lee Simon
Mount Tabor Salt Lake City, UT
David Nichols
PRAYER FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
SUNDAY DECEMBER 14
Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
|
|
PEACE NOT WALLS
|
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:
|
|
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
| |
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.
|
|
TO THE POINT
|
Rainbow Trail says, "Thank You!"
Yesterday was Colorado Gives Day, and Dave Jarvis said the response was tremendous! Rainbow Trail had over $62,000 in gifts given, and he expresses profound gratitude!
Eben Ezer has Chevy van for sale
Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center in Brush has upgraded some of their vehicles and has one van for sale.
2000 Chevy with mileage of 109,290, asking
$4500.
Contact Maria at 303-777-6700 to request the contact information if you are interested.
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
The Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California has launched a blog that engages theological perspectives with pressing, urgent public issues of our day. This blog involve a wide range of contributors from the PLTS faculty, other faculties at California Lutheran University, students and alums, as well as others committed to the purpose of this blog.
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.
|
|
LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION
|
Lutheran Men in Mission Presents
One Year To Live, Men's Retreat
April 10-12, 2015
YMCA Camp Santa Maria
Grant, Colorado
|
|
RMS SERVANT CORPS
|
Looking to make a meaningful contribution during the holiday season?
Consider donating to one of the Servant Corps in the Rocky Mountain Synod to further the ministry in Colorado and on the U.S./Mexico border!
$50: One month of health insurance for one volunteer
$62.50: One week of utilities at a volunteer community house
$75: One year of bike maintenance for one volunteer
$100: One month of one volunteer's allocation to the "communal purse" (food, household supplies, etc.)
$250: One retreat for a volunteer to share experiences with his/her USC - BSC counterpart
$1000: One month of mortgage/rent on one intentional community house
Donate online at: urbanservantcorps.org or borderservantcorps.org
Contact a Servant Corps at: krista@servantcorps.org or info@borderservantcorps.org
|
|
EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
|
Nursery Attendant
Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church
21755 E. Smoky Hill Road Centennial, CO 80015
Job description
Janitor/Custodian
Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church
Accompanist for Youth Music and Choirs and Grace Notes (Youth Praise Band) Director
All Saints Lutheran Church
Albuquerque, NM
information
Administrator of Volunteer Ministry
and Building Use
Augustana Lutheran Church
Denver, CO
Bookkeeper for Early Learning Center
St. John's Lutheran Church
11040 Colorado Blvd.
Thornton, CO 80233
St. John's Early Learning Center needs a part-time book keeper, about 5 hours per month. Must be familiar with Quick Books, be able to enter expenses, income and reconcile. Call Pastor Penni 303-718-6401.
stjohnsthornton.org
Music Director
Christ Lutheran Church
Santa Fe, NM
The congregation is seeking an experienced candidate to provide organ and/or piano music and choir direction to enhance the worship experience at CLC in Santa Fe. For a complete job description or to submit a resume, please contact Gloria Wood at 505.983.9461 or gwood@christlutheransantafe.org.
|
|
 |
|
|
All Staff This Week
- All-day staff meeting
- Staff reviews
- Deans WebEx
- Synod Council WebEx
Bishop Jim Gonia
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Faith Formation Network
- CU Campus Ministry
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Joy, Parker, CO
- Faith Formation Network
- Centennial, Englewood, CO
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Prince of Peace, Denver, CO
Erin Power
- Assembly Planning
- Vacation
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- Fairness Coalition
- St Luke, Albuquerque
Peter Severson - Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
|
| 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.
|
QUICK LINKS
|
SOCIAL SERVICES
HEALTH CARE MINISTRY
SERVANT CORPS OUTDOOR MINISTRY
|
| CALENDAR |
website calendar
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
|
|
|
|
UTAH
|
LSS of Utah seeking volunteers this week
This coming week, LSS of Utah will serve 1200 diverse families (reaching over 7000 men, women and children) with a Winter bag of educational and health oriented items for each household, vouchers for three thrift stores, and a large holiday food box.
Volunteers are needed Monday, December 8, through Friday, December 12, between 8 am and 4 pm. Come for the time you can, no need to register. Come to LSS of Utah 4392 South, 900 East Salt Lake City.
|
|
WYOMING
| |
Christ Lutheran is first Reconciling
in Christ congregation in WY
Christ Lutheran Church of Cheyenne, WY voted to become a Reconciling in Christ Congregation and to allow for same-sex marriages. The congregation is excited and thanks God for the guidance in this decision which was overwhelmingly approved. They will be the first Reconciling Congregation in Wyoming. The first wedding will be held in the spring of 2015.
|
|
NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
|
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.
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.
|
|
COLORADO
|
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey in Denver
invites you to their Christmas Posadas
Come and join the people of Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey in Denver to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus through the celebration of the Christmas Posadas. During the "Posadas," people come to reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph and later celebrate with pinatas in a traditional Mexican Style. The celebration takes place December 16 through 24 at 7:30 p.m. at 501 Raleigh St., Denver CO 80204.
Misa para Celebrar la Virgen de Guadalupe:
Worship Service to Celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe.
 �Vengan y cantar las ma�anitas!
Come and sing the ma�anitas!
El obispo estar� con nosotros.
The bishop will worship with us.
Tambi�n celebremos la Primera Comuni�n de 7 j�venes.
We will also celebrate the First Communion of 7 young people.
s�bado, 13 de diciembre a las 7 am
Saturday, December 13 at 7 am
Misi�n Latina Aurora
111 Del Mar Circle
Aurora, CO 80011
Pastor Jorge Espinoza will also lead a discussion on the Virgin of Guadalupe from a Lutheran prospective at the Metro East Text Study, Tuesday, December 9 at 10 am at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Aurora.
John Fielder Slide Show & Book Sale
December 12, 2014 at 7 P.M.
Joy Lutheran Church
7051 E. Parker Hills Ct.
Parker, CO 80138 303-841-3739 
John Fielder announces a 2014 Colorado statewide tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of America's Wilderness Act. The tour features a 75-minute slide show with over 200 of John's favorite wilderness images from Colorado and beyond (New Mexico, California, Wyoming, Minnesota, Arizona, and more) made in the past 40 years, accompanied by beautiful music, entitled A Celebration of 50 Years of Colorado Wilderness.
Events include a book sale and signing of all of John's Colorado books and calendars, including a new edition of his best-selling book Mountain Ranges of Colorado celebrating Wilderness 50, and a special Colorado Wilderness 50 Poster. Thirty percent of book sales are returned to sponsoring non-profit organizations. Book proceeds will go to the Joy Lutheran Church Sr. High Youth Trip next summer to the Youth Gathering in Detroit!
We Are All Touched by Gun Violence: Honor with Action
Join us in remembering those who have lost their lives to gun fire on the Second Anniversary of the Newtown shooting by educating others on the impact of gun violence and taking action to reduce gun deaths and injuries in Colorado.
Thursday, December 11 from 2:00 pm � 4:36 (Sunset) First Baptist Church, 1373 Grant Street (across from Capitol).
In the last year, an amazing group of passionate faith community members from over 25 faith communities (including a Lutheran church from Summit County) have met and formed Colorado faith Communities United to End Gun Violence (CFCU). The vigil will begin outside the Baptist Church with speakers including a sister of one of the teachers killed at Sandy Hook. Following this time of remembrance we are hopeful that over 200 will march to the Capitol to deliver a message to the legislative leadership. We will end the day with a youth performance, "Let Us Live," on the west steps of the Capitol.
You are invited to bring banners, or battery powered candles, and clergy are invited to
vest. If you have any questions please call Rev. Tina Yankee at 720.290.3388 or email yankee.tina@gmail.com
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
