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January 21, 2015
Bishop Gonia shares reflections on his recent trip to Germany in new blog post
ELCA Bishops with Presiding Bishop Eaton at the Stadtkirche (Town Church) in Wittenburg where Martin Luther regularly preached
In his new blog, Bishop Jim Gonia has written about his experiences and reflections visiting Germany with other ELCA bishops. He writes, "while I'd like to blame my melancholy on the weather, which was cold and cloudy much of the time, the truth is that this trip confronted me with some of the past and current ambiguities of our life together as a Lutheran expression of the church."
Read the full article.
Include this page in your congregation's
2015 Annual Report booklet:
Four .pdf versions are provided for your use, in print, or electronically:
lower resolution "landscape" orientation for electronic
high resolution "portrait" for print
lower resolution "portrait" for electronic
Include this issue of the "Landscape" newsletter in your publications
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
Rostered leaders: please complete your annual report to the bishop by February 15
New .pdf forms for annual rostered leader reports for both active and retired leaders are now posted on the ELCA website. Use this link to find the forms for rostered leaders. Right-click on the form you want and save it on your computer. Then open it in Adobe Reader. Complete on the screen and save it. Then email it in.
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HEALTH ASSESSMENT 2015
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EVERYONE WITH ELCA PRIMARY HEALTH INSURANCE:
TAKE THE HEALTH ASSESSMENT BY JAN 31!
 All with ELCA-Primary Medical Insurance are asked to take the annual health assessment, and those who take it by January 31 will be entered into a drawing for a new Apple Watch (or other fitness watch if you don't have an iPhone).
Everyone who has ELCA-primary health insurance, along with every spouse/partner, must take the annual assessment to "raise our consciousness" about living with health and harmony. So we can "get it over with" we want everyone to take the assessment in January so that we are reminded to live in 2015 with health and harmony!
1. Take the Assessment now at this link.
2. Submit that you took it on this log page. These 37 people with ELCA primary health insurance have logged that they took the assessment on the link above! Thank you! If you have taken it, please click on the #2 link above to add your name to the log. (And folks below, have your spouse take it, too!) |
Debra
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Abbott
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Kathleen
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Armstrong
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Matt
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Barnhouse
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Michael
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Bastian
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Scott
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Beebe
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Geoffrey
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Beebe
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Karen
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Bergum
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Brian
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Bergum
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Frederick
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Brockmann
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Jared
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Carson
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Laura
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Carson
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Lynette
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Crase
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Larry
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Davis
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Jorge
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Espinoza
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Linda
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Goodnough
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Christopher
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Heller
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Elissa
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Heller
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Sarah Ruth
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Hoffman
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Patricia
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Holman
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Ann
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Hultquist
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Jane
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Jebsen
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Jane
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Jebsen
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Janice
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Kibler
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Kristi
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Koppel
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Alena
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Lamirato
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Kirstin
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Maanum
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Bob
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McNamara
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Kent
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Mueller
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David
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Nichols
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Sonja
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Pancoast
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Erin
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Power
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Stephanie
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Q. Espinoza
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Kate
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Schlechter
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Daniel
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Smith
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Sarah
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Stadtlander
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Maria
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Sutton
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Sara
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Wirth
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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.
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PRAYERS
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Upcoming Celebrations:
Chris Heller Installation, Messiah, Albuquerque
Saturday January 24, 2015, at 11 a.m.
Installation of Pastor Chris Heller, Messiah Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, NM.
Clergy are invited to process, the color of the day is Green!
Erin Power, Diaconal Ministry Consecration
You are all invited to the Consecration of Erin Power into ministry of Word & Service as a Diaconal Minister. The service will be Saturday January 31 at 2:00 pm.
Lutheran Center of the Rocky Mountain Synod
7375 Samuel Drive, Denver.
All rostered leaders, candidates, and interns are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red.
JANUARY 2015METRO WEST CONFERENCE
1/25
St. John's Thornton, CO
Penni Walsh
St. Stephen Northglenn, CO
Tracy Hinkel
United Church of the San Juans Ridgway, CO
Zion Montrose, CO
Michael Rime ( )
Zion Idaho Springs, CO
Don Marxhausen
Sunday January 25 - Second Sunday After Epiphany
Prayer of the Day
O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the gospel to shine throughout the world. Grant that we may follow his example and be witnesses to the truth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever -
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Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
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Eat Pizza and Support Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp on January 27, 2015
 The California Pizza Kitchen fundraiser for Rainbow Trail was such a fun time last year
that they are doing it again. Join RTLC friends on January 27th at the California Pizza Kitchen Fundraiser - on the web at
rainbowtrail.org -
to have a great meal and support a great cause! Take your family or friends out for a great dinner and CPK will donate 20% of your check to Rainbow Trail. Locations along the Front Range and in Albuquerque will be participating.
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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. More information. Contact Jan at 303-332-1263.
Please help publicize the trip by using the bulletin insert and announcements below:
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TO THE POINT
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Seeking several appliance donations!
Have a good, used fridge to donate?
If you're in the Denver area and you happen to be remodeling your kitchen, Cristo Rey, Denver, is in need of a fridge for the church parsonage.
Have a good, used washer/dryer to donate?
Again, if you're in the Denver area and have a good, used washer/dryer to donate, the Lutheran Center (Office of the Bishop) is seeking a front-load washer and a dryer for the church basement to be used by "Growing Home" (Interfaith Hospitality Network - housing for homeless families). A front-load/water-saving washer is necessary because the drain in the basement location won't handle the amount of water used in a top-load.
Contact Kent at kmueller@rmselca.org if you have items we might consider for a donation.
Housing available for Festival of Homiletics
Thinking of attending the Festival of Homiletics in Denver, May11-15? Need or want free housing? Jim and Cathy Monkman have opened their beautiful mountain home to attendees and plan to commute to the festival. So, guests would have a place to stay and shared transportation to the festival. If you are interested, contact Jim and Cathy at Jim's cell phone, 817-346-0943, or Jim's email: Jim_Monkman@yahoo.com.
New progressive Bible stories
book now available
Dan Tisdel, intern at First, Gypsum, CO, and Good Shepherd, Glenwood Springs, CO, has co-edited a book with Pastor Meghan Rohrer. It's called "Bible Stories - Reimagining between the lines" and is a compilation of about 15 fictional short stories that expand on biblical characters or put biblical stories in a modern setting. All of the proceeds go to programs that help the homeless of San Francisco, book order Link
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 February 11.
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EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Madagascar Web Ex
- Installation - Chris Heller, Messiah, Albuquerque, NM
- NM Conference of Churches Dinner
- Christ Lutheran, Santa Fe, NM
- Lutheran Social Service Utah
- NM Conference of Churches Dinner-Turquoise Award
- Boulder Broomfield Retreat
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Faith Formation Team
- Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Board meeting
- University of Northern Colorado Ministry Review
- El Camino Colorado (LCM CU-Boulder vocation program)
- Lutheran Social Service Utah
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Spirit of Joy, Fort Collins, CO
- Conference Coordinator WebEx
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Post Modern ELCA Conference
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Office of the Bishop administration
- Four Winds Meeting
Erin Power
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- Legislative Finance Committee
- Opening day Of Legislative Session
- Rev. Dr. James Forbes visit event
- NM Conference of Catholic Bishop's Legislative Breakfast
- NM Assn of Food Banks Board meeting
- Installation of Pr. Chris Heller, Messiah Lutheran
- NM Conference of Churches Turquoise Chalice Dinner
Peter Severson - Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
- World Hunger Leaders Gathering (San Francisco CA)
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Get your Global PalceMaps for annual meetings and Lenten meals!
Inspire your members with a PlaceMap which shows where God is working through ELCA Missionaries, Young Adults in Global Mission, scholarships for International Leaders, and Global Ministries outreach and education. This FREE resource is perfect for dinner place mats, displays or coloring sheets. Download an 11x17 copy at www.ELCA.org
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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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UTAH
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Elim presents a $10,000 gift to Youth Futures
Last Sunday, Ogden's Elim Lutheran Church presented Youth Futures with a check in an effort to help the shelter get off the ground as a place for youth 12-17 to stay without fear of falling prey in dark environments or of being arrested for being on their own.
The gift is how church members have chosen to use funds donated to them by the Ogden Japanese Christian Church three years ago.
Representatives from both churches were present at the 10 a.m. Sunday service when the gift is given.
read the newspaper article
Fourth Annual Day of Remembrance for Downwinders
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
7:00-8:00 pm
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
1070 S. Foothill Drive
Salt Lake City
January 27th will mark the 64th anniversary of the first nuclear weapons test in Nevada. Join us to honor the sacrifices of Downwinders and to give added impetus to the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Music, Prayers, Remembrances Liturgy offered by Rev. Steve Klemz with music presented by the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Choir. Followed by fellowship reception.
Sponsored by Utah Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (UCAN) and the United Nations Association of Utah. Email info@utahcan.org for more information.
*In case of inclement weather, we will hold the vigil inside the UCCU.
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WYOMING
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Panel to Discuss Abolishing Wyoming's Death Penalty
A proposed bill abolishing the death penalty in Wyoming will be considered in the current legislative session, and will be the topic at a program on January 17, 2015, from 1:30 to 3:30 in the Cottonwood Room at the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne at 2200 Pioneer Avenue. The public is invited to attend and participate.
Local attorney David Serelson will be on hand to discuss issues of the constitutionality of the death penalty, as well as its history. Attorney Aaron J. Lyttle, who represented Andrew Johnson, a local man who served 23 years in prison for a sexual assault he did not commit, will discuss wrongful convictions and how they occur. For additional information, please contact:
Chesie Lee, Executive Director for the Wyoming Association of Churches, (307)761-755, chesie@vcn.com
This event is being co-sponsored by the Wyoming Association of Churches and the Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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New Mexico Legislative Session Began January 20
New Mexico Legislative Session began today.
 In response to the needs of people living in poverty and with hunger in our state, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM continues to focus its work primarily on public policies and programs that can have a positive impact on people living in poverty and experiencing hunger. These policies and programs have at least two major goals:
- To make various types of assistance available to people living in poverty so that basic living expenses can be met. Adequate funding is required for basic assistance programs like Medicaid, affordable housing, nutrition assistance, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families as well as child care assistance. Programs must also be administered in an efficient and fair manner.
- To address systemic issues that can enable people living in poverty to earn a family-sustaining income. These issues can include tax policy, increasing the minimum wage and protecting workers' rights.
To learn more about Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM go to our website. Click on Join our Advocacy Network to receive Advocacy Updates and Alerts. You can also "like" LAM-NM on Facebook
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
Bishop's Legislative Luncheon
February 10
 The Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Bishop's Legislative Luncheon will be Tuesday, February 10. Make plans to attend and be sure to make your reservation (or a reservation for a group from your congregation!) to attend this annual gathering which will begin at 12:30 pm at La Fonda in Santa Fe.
Rocky Mountain Synod Bishop Jim Gonia will speak at the luncheon and will also share a message with us during the Issues Briefing in the morning prior to the luncheon. The day will begin at 9:00 am at Christ Lutheran Church (1701 Arroyo Chamiso)with registration, fellowship and an opportunity to learn more about the issues for which Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM will be advocating in 2015.
The cost of the luncheon is $30 person ($25 per person when 4 or more people from a congregation or organization make reservations together). If you are only attending the morning issues briefing, the cost is $5. Please contact Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM (phone 984-8005 or email info@lutheranadvocacynm.org) to make reservations or for more details. The deadline for reservations is February 5.
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COLORADO
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Resurrection Lutheran Church, Lakewood has
items for sale due to their February 15 closing
The closing worship for Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 7100 W. Mississippi Ave. Lakewood will be on Sunday, February 15, at 1:30 p.m. The congregation has several significant items for sale. Please contact Pastor Lyn Crase at lyncrase@msn.com or 719-651-0581 for more information & to schedule a time to see these items. You also may contact treasurer@elca-co-resurrection.org. These are the items:
1. Allen Prot�g� Chamber Series Organ - C-8c It includes 3 added on features: Smart Recorder (MIDI); Antiphonal System; and MIDI Expander. The church is asking $10,000.00.
2. Kawai Electric Piano CA95 with bench and headphone and manual. Not quite one year old; asking $3800.00.
3. Del Mar upright piano - needs cleaning and tuning (walnut on castors). $100.00.
Web Conference on Economic Equality
Evergreen Lutheran Church, Evergreen, Colorado, is hosting the Trinity Institute web conference this year on January 31. This year it is A Practical Conference for Economic Equality. More information to come.
Together Colorado's 2015 Statewide Faith Leader
Gathering is March 10, 2015
9:30 am-4 pm (including light breakfast & lunch) Central Presbyterian Church, 1660 Sherman St., Denver (2 blocks north of the Capitol)
Help make real our vision of Together Colorado as a statewide non-partisan, multi-faith, multi-racial organization; and support our mission to unlock the power of people in our congregations and neighborhoods to address the community issues that most deeply impact their lives through community organizing. As trusted community leaders, clergy and faith leaders and guides are coming together through Together Colorado to support this transformational process, building a powerful faith voice in Colorado.
Cost: There is no cost for participation in the statewide gathering.
Register by Wed., March 4, 2015 on-line or contact Patty Lawless, Lead Statewide Organizer, patty@togetherco.org.
New Visions training program offered March 6 & 7
at Holy Trinity, Littleton
New Visions is a training program for raising consciousness and action regarding mission by establishing a mission school inside congregations. Using Dr. Steinke's book, A Door Set Open, study guides, a training manual, three DVDs and about 12 hours of training, the trained facilitators will prepare leaders for mission. New Visions is about change: changing you, changing your congregation, and changing the world.
The desired outcomes include turning congregations suffering mission drift to a mission direction, to increase the congregation's outputs (services), to mobilize people's energy in contributing to God's Shalom, and to influence the mission of the congregation by exercising faith active in love and proclaiming the Gospel.
Fri, Mar 6, 4:00pm - Sat, Mar 7, 5:00pm
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.
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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