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December 17, 2014
The Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop will be closed December 24-26 and January 1-2. There will be no email newsletter published the next two weeks. Please submit January items before January 5.
Bishop Gonia visits Artesia detention center with ELCA colleagues
Bishop Gonia writes in his latest blog...
"On November 18 I joined a group of colleagues from our ELCA Churchwide offices and several of our pastors from El Paso to visit the Detention Center for Women and Children in Artesia, New Mexico. The facility consists of temporary buildings that serve as sleeping quarters, a dining hall, a school, a dispensary, and a variety of meeting rooms.
The confined grounds were stark and barren. Up to 500 women and children are in residence, held as they await a long-distance hearing with a Denver-based judge who determines whether they are eligible to pay a bond and be released. Those released are permitted to join their family members already residing in the US as they wait for an opportunity to make their case for permanent asylum. We met any number of women who were still in custody with their children because they and their families did not have the money to pay the bond, which could range from a low of $1,500 per family member to as high as $20,000...."
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video featuring artist Morgan Madison
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Video features art glass panels
at the RMS Lutheran Center
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!
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
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GET FIRED UP!
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The annual rostered leader
HEALTH ASSESSMENT
is coming back in 2015!
Every year the Office of the Bishop BEGS rostered leaders to take the annual health assessment. Why?
- The best way to make healthy choices is to be reminded what they are!
- You get free money for doing it!
- The RMS gets a big chunk of cash to use towards healthy leader initiatives!
SO MAKE IT YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION TO TAKE THE HEALTH ASSESSMENT IN JANUARY! JUST DO IT!
If you want the best, new information, make an appointment NOW for a physical the first week of January so you have new blood test results!
Let's be the first synod EVER to reach the goal in ONE MONTH!
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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. Late registrations are still being accepted.
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CAMPUS MINISTRY
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Lutheran Student Movement offers
all-expense paid Spring Break trip to Detroit!
Lutheran Student Movement is the national association of Lutheran college students. This spring LSM is offering an all expense paid alternative spring break trip to Detroit. There will be trips offered each of the first three weeks of March. The trip is open to students from all colleges and universities. Groups will be led by Pastor Fred Fritz from Michigan State University and hosted by Salem Lutheran Church as they immerse themselves in urban Detroit in advance of this summer's youth gathering.
LSM will cover student's travel, lodging, program, and meals throughout the trip. Applications and more information.
Applications are due January 7. If you have any questions email Pastor Zach Parris at lcmpastor@colorado.edu.
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PRAYERS
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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.
12/21
Our Saviour's Salt Lake City, UT
Jeff Beebe
Prince of Peace Logan, UT
Scott Thalacker
Shepherd of the Mountains Park City, UT
Steve Leiser
PRAYER FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
SUNDAY DECEMBER 21
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that hinders our faith, that eagerly we may receive your promises, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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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! 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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TO THE POINT
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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 January 14.
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LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION
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Lutheran Men in Mission Presents
One Year To Live, Men's Retreat
April 10-12, 2015
YMCA Camp Santa Maria
Grant, Colorado
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RMS SERVANT CORPS
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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
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EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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Organist and/or handbell choir director
Trinity Lutheran Church
Fort Collins, Colorado
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.
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Staff reviews
- Faith Formation
- Shepherd of the Valley, LaSalle, CO
- St. Stephen's, Northglenn, CO
- Ruth Ann Loughry Installation, King of Glory, Loveland, CO
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Year-end office work
- Vacation
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Faith Formation Conference Coordinators WebEx
- Vacation
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Transitions oversight
- Vacation
Erin Power
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
Peter Severson - Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
- Voices for Justice
- Mayor Hancock: conversation on race
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Elca Global Church Sponsorship
Building up God's global church-together.
ELCA missionaries have helped establish growing churches throughout the world. As a result, we are now part of much larger story- a global community of more than 70 million Lutherans in 79 countries. In this dynamic church, we walk with our sisters and brothers in Christ to share God's love far and wide.
Your generous gifts support this work to build up Christ's church by sending missionaries and volunteers, training leaders, planting new churches and growing existing ones. Yet there always new invitations and opportunities to spread the good news.
For more 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
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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Desert Springs Lutheran donated many items for the newly organized Open Arms Pregnancy Center's yard sale
 Open Arms Pregnancy Center is a Christ-Centered community ministry dedicated to sharing the message of Christ and upholding the sanctity of human life. Their goal is to offer compassionate services that will educate men and women facing an unplanned pregnancy and empower them to carry their child to term. With the support of the community, they are also committed to provide services to hurting men and women through abortion recovery ministry. The Center is in Truth or Consequences, NM, and members of Desert Springs Lutheran Church have pledged to become active members of the group.
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.
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COLORADO
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Colorado Council of Churches co-hosts discussion
on "Race & Justice in the Mile High City"
Please Join Mayor Michael B. Hancock and local community partners for a discussion on Race & Justice in the mile high city.
When: Friday, December 19 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Where: Colorado History Center, 1200 Broadway Denver, CO 80203
Save the Date: Colorado Faith Advocacy Day is Feb. 16
 Save the date for Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado's Faith Advocacy Day 2015!
This year's theme will be "Homelessness and Justice." Official registration is not yet open, but you can pre-register by sending your name, congregation/ministry, and e-mail address to Peter Severson.
WHEN: Monday, February 16, 9am-3pm
WHERE: Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave
WHY: To live out God's calling to you as a person of faith to advocate for justice for all people.
Festival of Lights is December 21 in Brush, CO, at Eben Ezer
The historic Eben Ezer All Saints Church, a hidden gem on the Eastern Plains, graciously invites you to celebrate the Christmas Season at their annual candlelight service to be held on Sunday, December 21st at 3:00 p.m. Featuring Christmas music performed by area musicians, with a message by Pastor Dan Hays of All Saints Church. There is no charge. This is a thank you to the community for supporting Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center.
A reception will follow in the Sister Anna Paulsen Activity Center hosted by the Eben Ezer Auxiliary. The celebration is at 122 Hospital Road, Brush. Use the west entrance off Highway 34.
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.
Todos son Bienvenidos! All are Welcome!
Posadas with Misi�n Latina Aurora
All Posadas begin at 6:30 pm and are located in Aurora
Friday, December 19
Espinoza Family-1275 Troy St.
Saturday, December 20
Mercado/Martin del Campo Family
2364 Nome St.
Sunday, December 21
Misi�n Latina Aurora/St. Mark's
111 Del Mar Circle
*Please bring a dish or Christmas cookies to share to the last Posada on December 21
Training for marriage counseling resource: Prepare/Enrich
Prepare/Enrich Certification Training is being offered on Friday, January 16, 2015 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Avenue, in Cherry Hills Village. 9 AM to 4:30 PM. The workshop is designed to teach facilitators to administer and provide feedback and skills to premarital and married couples, that will improve their relationship. For more information, or to register, please call Beth Walker at 303.694.2967.
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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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