THIS WEEK

May 12, 2015

 

Bishop Jim Gonia

  • Lutheran Church of the Master, Lakewood CO
  • Bethlehem Lutheran, Brush, CO
Pastor Ron Roschke 
  • Festival of Homiletics, Denver
  • Environmental Stewards Task Force WebEx
  • Eben Ezer Board of Directors, Brush CO

Pastor Sarah Moening    

  • Faith Formation Network
  • Bethlehem, Brush CO
  • Ascension, St Matthews, Price UT
  • All Saints, Albuquerque, NM

Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza

  • Partnership Support Grants
  • Ministry Reviews 

Pastor Kent Mueller   

  • RMS Environmental Stewards
  • Assembly Follow-Up Communication
  • Lutheran Magazine Supplement

Erin Power, Diaconal Ministry

  • Theological Conference
  • MSYG Planning

Ruth Hoffman - Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM

  • Medicaid Advisory Committee
  • Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee
  • Interfaith Hunger Coalition
  • NM Association of Churches Board
  • NM Association of Food Banks
Peter Severson - Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
  • Policy Committee meeting 
  • All Families Deserve a Change Coalition
  • Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge, adult forum
  • Wartburg West Leadership & Spirituality Class 


 

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CONGREGATIONS
QUICK LINKS
CALENDAR
website calendar 


 

 2015
 


 

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


 

 

2016
 

 



APRIL 28-30
2016 Synod Assembly
Embassy Suites
Loveland, CO

SEPTEMBER19-22
2016 Theological Conference
Little America
Cheyenne, WY


  

2017
 


 

MAY 5-7
2017 Synod Assembly
Antlers Hilton Hotel
Colorado Springs, CO

 

SEPTEMBER 18-21
2017 Theological Conference

 


 

2018
 

MAY 3-5
2018 Synod Assembly
Westin Hotel
Westminster, CO









 
 
 


We give thanks for our 
FAITH FORMATION professionals and volunteers!

An eConnection wasn't sent out last week, so we're just now recognizing "Thank a Youth Worker Day" which was officially on May 7. But our gratitude need not be limited to one day! We treasure the commitment, creativity, and collaboration of our "youth workers" who are key leaders in our Rocky Mountain Synod congregations. Through their commitment, disciples of all ages are shaped by our sacred stories to serve Christ in daily life. We enthusiastically say, "Thank you!"

 

PRAYERS


 

IN MEMORIAM


Pastor Clarence Leslie

We join in celebrating the life and ministry of Pastor Clarence Leslie at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO, on Saturday, March 16 at 10 a.m. Pastor Leslie was acknowledged at our recent Synod Assembly for the milestone of celebrating 75 years of ordained ministry. He served congregations in Des Moines, IA, Clifton, NJ, Kane, PA, and Griswold, IA, before retiring in Colorado. We give thanks for his faithful service.


 

Pastor Ramaro

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Pastor Ramaro, President of the Boeny Mahajanga Synod in Madagascar. The Mahajanga Synod is the Rocky Mountain Synod's original companion, and Pastor Ramaro has served as a congregational pastor and as leader of the synod for many years. Please hold our brothers and sisters in the Mahajanga Synod in prayer as together we mourn the loss of this faithful servant of Christ and give thanks for his life and witness.
 

MAY 2015

METRO EAST CONFERENCE


5/3

All Saints Aurora, CO     

John Petty
Augustana Denver, CO

Tim Drom-Interim. Caitlin Trussell,
Bethel Aurora, CO    

Barbara Lemke
Christ the Savior Aurora CO     

Paul Ziegler


 

5/10

Cross of Glory  Denver, CO    

Mike Lempke
Peace of Christ Elizabeth, CO     

R. Dean Smith
Epiphany Denver, CO

Travis Johnson Esparza-interim
HKBP Denver, CO

Samuel Sitompul


 

5/17

Holy Love Aurora, CO     

Matthew Bolz-Weber
House for all Sinners and Saints Denver,CO

Nadia Bolz-Weber, Reagan Humber

Joy Parker, CO      

Rodney Hank
Lord of the Hills Centennial, CO       


 

Prayer of the Day


Gracious and glorious God, you have chosen us as your own, and by the powerful name of Christ you protect us from evil. By your Spirit transform us and your beloved world, that we may find our joy in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.


 


 

FAITH COMMUNITY NURSING COURSE


Faith Community
Nurse Foundations Course


The Faith Community Nurse Foundations Course will be offered at Glen Eyrie, in the back yard of the Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  It is a designated National Natural Landmark located at the base of Pikes Peak, the mountain that inspired "America the Beautiful".  This beautiful retreat setting will be inspirational. The course will provide trained FCN faculty, whole health experience and training with the new 2015 FCN curriculum.


Wednesday August 19 at 4 p.m. to Sunday, August 23rd at 3 p.m., ending with a commissioning service.

$750, which includes the course fees, 4 nights lodging and meals. Contact Cynthiawacker@Centura.org

See FCNrockies.org for more information about Faith Community Nursing.

FAITH FORMATION


Faith Formation Mentors


Feel like you could use a mentor to support, challenge, and teach you a few things about the awesome world of Faith Formation ministry? Have a gift for supporting, challenging, and teaching someone about the awesome world of Faith Formation ministry? Then come be a part of our Mentoring Ministry within the Faith Formation Network of the RMS! We are looking for those who wish to be paired with a Mentor, as well as those who wish to be a Mentor.


 

To get connected, contact:

Deaconess Kristen Baltrum 303.817.5482, Kristen@bethlehem-lutheran.net

 

Pastor Paul Judson

303.809.1681,  Paul.judson@firstluth.org

 

Pastor Zach Parris

720.505.1653, lcmpastor@colorado.edu

WORLD HUNGER


 

ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grant Applications now available


 

ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants support ministries that offer hope and assistance to thousands of people who experience poverty and hunger in the United States. In 2015, World Hunger funded 324 projects across the US for a total of $739,075.  Projects range from congregational food pantries to weekend backpack programs for children to job training and living wage advocacy campaigns.  

 

Grants are available for organizations that provide direct relief or assist with community development, community  organization, or advocacy.  More information and the application are available at  http://www.elca.org/domestichungergrants  If you have any specific questions about the application itself, please contact Joe Young (joe.young@elca.org) or Johnnie Thompson (johnnie.thompson@elca.org).

 


 


 

SKY RANCH CAMP

 

Sky Ranch leadership training

opportunities for High School youth

 

Youth Go!

Youth Go! is a two-week leadership training program for High School youth. Campers return to their congregations empowered to lead and serve from their week that includes: community building through high and low ropes, a two night backpack trip providing time for prayer and reflection, in depth Bible study and worship planning, visiting some of the program specialists, service projects at Harvest Farm (run by the Denver Rescue Mission helping men with addiction), helping to lead worship and a 24-hour silent retreat.

2015 Dates: June 7-19


 

Staff In Training

It's not a job. It is an attitude! For those who wonder what it would be like to work at Sky Ranch, this newly restructured program is designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed to be on summer staff. Everyone interested in being a staff in training will participate in a week of training on June 14-19. Everyone who completes this week of training is then eligible to volunteer up to three additional weeks throughout the summer, shadowing and working beside resource staff and counselors, as needed based upon the programs being offered.

Dates: June 14-19
 

Register for Youth Go! or Staff In Training by visiting our website www.skyranchcolorado.org.  For questions please contact our Program Director, Kathryn Seyfarth, at kathryn@skyranchcolorado.org.


 

YOUTH MINISTRY AT RAINBOW TRAIL

 

Rainbow Trail:
Bridging Borders in Mexico

Rainbow Trail's Bridging Borders program is offering an "Open Registration" trip to Mexico for the week of June 21-27, 2015. This week of house building and community will leave your senior high youth with a renewed sense of their faith and a restored excitement for service.  This is a great opportunity for those who will not be going to Detroit for the Youth Gathering. If you or someone you know is interested in going on this life-changing trip with Bridging Borders, contact Ben Jarvis at ben.jarvis@rainbowtrail.org or call 719-276-5233.  

 

TO THE POINT

New Beginnings has a new website!


 

The new website is interesting, informative and interactive. Check it out at at newbeginningswc.org.  New Beginnings is a worshipping community at the Denver Women's Correctional Facility led by Pastor Terry Schjang.



 

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!  

 

 

Pastor from Nepal will speak to your congregation

 

Retired ELCA Pastor Bob Ove extends the invitation for you to invite a guest pastor from Nepal for conversation and photos to hear his story. Pastor Timothy can tell you the church in Nepal is growing so fast. Feel free to call Bob Ove at 720.535.1265 or email him at prove_1@juno.com


 

Luther Tour is Fall 2015

 

October 27 through November 7 are the dates for a fall 2015 Luther Tour to Germany. It is sponsored by Barbara Condon, an ELCA pastor in the Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod. If interested, please request more information from Pastor Condon at this email:  barbarajhc@gmail.com


 

 

EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

 

Director of Youth & Education Ministries  

Advent Lutheran Church � Westminster, CO St. John's Lutheran Church � Thornton, CO

 

The goal of the Youth and Education Director (YED) is to develop youth and children in their faith formation and to help them mature as Disciples of Christ.  The YED will do this by developing comprehensive youth ministry and Christian Education programs for the congregations.  The Director will work to guide leaders for the ministry teams and assist with the creation and conduct of activities in Youth Ministry helping to ensure these ministries live out the Mission and Vision of Advent Lutheran and St. John's Lutheran Church. To request a full job description and to submit a cover letter and resume, please email YouthEdDirector@gmail.com

 

 

 

Preschool Director

Joy Lutheran Church, Parker, CO

  

Joyful Mission Preschool (JMP), established in 1979 and accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International, is a mission outreach of Joy Lutheran Church in Parker, CO. JMP is seeking a detail-oriented State of Colorado Director Qualified leader who will perform a variety of duties associated with the day-to-day operation and administration of the Preschool Program. Must have a BA, BS Degree, or Master's in Early Childhood Education or education with at least 5 years of experience teaching at preschool or elementary school level. This is a full-time position. If interested, check our https://www.joylutheran-parker.org website for a more detailed job announcement. Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and salary requirements to  preschooldirector@joylutheran-parker.org.

 

 

 

 

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains Older Adult and Caregiver Services
LFS has an opening for a half-time Mental Health Counselor serving the Metro-Denver area.  We are looking to grow its mental health counseling program. With that in mind, this position requires someone with, not only counseling skills, but also someone with networking and outreach skills and is interested in growing this position from part-time to full-time within the first year. Also, position requires a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LCP (Licensed Clinical Psychologist) or licensed psychologist to bill Medicare. An active NPI and CAQH number is preferred but not required.

Job description for more information 

 

 

Position: Senior Executive & Resource Development Assistant for LFSRM

 

Description: The Senior Executive & Resource Development Assistant is a full time position that provides administrative support services for the President/Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors and helps the Vice President of Development create and cultivate authentic ministry partnerships with congregations and clergy. For the full job description please refer to www.lfsrm.org; under About: Employment Opportunities.

 

If you are interested, please submit your cover letter and resume to recruit@ForteHumanResources.com 

 

Read about recent JOB POSTS in the Rocky Mountain Synod: More information 

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION
The Bob Marshall Experience

 


The ELCA campus pastor at the University of Montana in Missoula invites you to join a Bob Marshall Wilderness trip this summer as continuing education for clergy and lay people through the Northern Rockies Institute for Theology.  Still have room for 4-5 more people.  

View the syllabus.

 
  UTAH

 


NEW MEXICO

 

ELCA Youth Gathering - We are Church: Better Together!
 

The Border Conference is working together to send youth to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit this summer. There are 14 youth and 3 adults going from 5 of our 12 congregations.  On April 17-18, this group gathered together for an overnight at St. Peter's in Carlsbad, including a trip to the Carlsbad Caverns.  They got to meet each other for the first time in preparation for the Gathering, and spent time in worship, games, Bible study, and of course the trip to the Caverns.

 

Each of these youth and their congregations have been hard at work to raise the appropriate funds (approx. $20,000 needed - they have raised about 2/3 of that so far)!  But there is still a ways to go.  Each congregation is differently able to support their youth in this adventure.  There are six youth in this group from Cristo Rey in El Paso, and we are accepting donations to help those youth attend the Gathering.  Please contact Pr. Kirsten Sauey Hofmann, Pastor at Trinity in Hobbs, NM and one of the adult leaders for this trip, for information on making a donation.  

 

 

 

 

 

2014-2015 BSC Celebration! 
Theme: "Simplicity & Service."  Join Border Servant Corps on Friday, May 15th from 6:30-8:30pm at La Posta de Mesilla (2410 Calle De San Albino, Mesilla, NM 88046) to celebrate and the past year of service and look forward to the coming year on the U.S./M�xico border! Speakers, silent auction, dinner, and drinks! Tickets are available for purchase in the BSC office or through a BSC board member: $35/single, $60/couple. Please come (bring a friend!) and support the ministry of Border Servant Corps!

 

 

 

2014-2015 Year of Service Celebration!

 "Simplicity & Service"

Friday, May 15th

6:30-8:30pm

La Posta de Mesilla

(2410 Calle De San Albino

Mesilla, NM 88046)

 Speakers * Silent Auction * Dinner * Drinks

Tickets: $35/Single * $60/Couple

Space is limited; tickets must be pre-purchased:

info@borderservantcorps.org * (575) 522-7119 Ext. 16

  
WYOMING






COLORADO


Invite Peter Severson to your congregation 


 

The Colorado legislative session is over: as of May 6, 2015, legislators completed their 120th and final day in assembly. Interested in knowing more about how our hunger and poverty priorities fared? Invite Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado to give a presentation at your congregation! Director Peter Severson is available to preach, lead adult forums, and host workshops. Contact him at  pseverson@rmselca.org to learn more.


State policy on pain prescription drugs


 Are you or someone you love dealing with chronic pain? Interested in bringing this issue before your congregation? Marjorie Orthman at Prince of Peace, Denver, is available as a resource and speaker on this issue and others related to pain medication policies within the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Contact Marjorie by e-mail (David-Marj@comcast.net) to find out more. 


 

Centering Prayer:
An Introductory Workshop Deepening 
our Relationship with God

Saturday, May 16, 2015 
Registration 8:15am 
Workshop 9am-Noon 
Includes light refreshments and materials 

COST
Free Will offering 
LOCATION 
Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church
 21755 E. Smoky Hill Rd.
Centennial, CO 80015
For more information view the retreat flyer
 

 

Lutheran Chorale in Lafayette and Longmont on May 17


Each May, we take a moment to pause and remember'a cherished friend, an important event, music composed or dedicated to remember loved ones.  On May 17, the Lutheran Chorale (a community Christian choir) will present a variety of gospel,  bluegrass, folk, patriotic, and classical pieces, including a composition written to honor the Civil War during this, the 150th year since the end of the war. Come join us May 17, 2015, at 3:00 pm at Eternal Savior Lutheran Church in Lafayette, and 7:30 pm at Messiah Lutheran Church in Longmont.  Tickets are $15 adult, $12 senior, $25 family.


Addresses:

Eternal Savior, 2688 Northpark Dr., Lafayette, CO 80026 

Messiah Lutheran Church, 1335 Francis St, Longmont, CO 80501

Concordia Bell Choir to play in Colorado Springs May 22


 

The 2014-2015 Alleluia Ringers of Concordia University, Wisconsin, will present a free

concert at First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, Friday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m.  The bell choir is comprised of 14 undergraduate students who ring 6 octaves (73 bells) and 6 1/2 octaves of handchimes (79). The group is chosen by audition each fall. This is the 29th year under the direction of Dr. John Behnke.


Run/Walk June 6 benefits Selian Lutheran Hospital in Tanzania

7th Annual Selian Lutheran Hospital 5K Run/Walk 1K Fun Run for the Kids!  Face Painting, Jumpy Castle, Door Prizes and more!

Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m.

To Benefit Selian Lutheran Hospital in Arusha, Tanzania


Location:St. Peter Lutheran Church

                9300 E. Belleview

                Greenwood Village, CO  80111

                 303-770-9300


For additional information and to register, please visit www.selian5k.stplc.org or contact Carol Mayer at carolmayerco@aol.com

 


 

Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church


Live Music by Jerusalem Road

BBQ & Bluegrass

Saturday, June 6 @ 5:30pm

4501 S. Lemay Ave.,

Fort Collins

Proceeds Benefit Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

Tickets: $12 (5 and over) or $30 (family), under 5 free


 


 
Kent Mueller - Assistant to the Bishop
Maria Sutton - Communications Assistant 
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.