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Prayer Cycle
AUGUST 2015
NORTH COLORADO
8/16
Our Saviour's
Fort Collins, CO
Michael Stadtmuller
Leta Behrens
Dan Hays
Wendy Kalan
Shepherd of the Hills
Fort Collins, CO
Dana Peterson
Prayer of the Day
Ever-loving God, your Son gives himself as living bread for the life of the world. Fill us with such a knowledge of his presence that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life to serve you continually, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Anniversary Celebrations
Ascension
Colorado Springs, CO
August 23 at 10:00 am
Christ the Savior
Aurora, CO
September 27 at 10:00 am
Christ the King mission congregation in South Jordan, Utah, to close August 23
The Rocky Mountain Synod Council has made the difficult decision to close the mission congregation currently served by Pastor Emily Ewing in South Jordan, Utah. For the past nine years, this unique "storefront" ministry has faithfully witnessed to the Good News of Christ in the unique Utah context, and we give thanks for Pastor Emily's ministry.
The Service of Holy Closure will take place on Sunday, August 23 at 5 p.m. at 10318 Redwood Rd #16, South Jordan, UT 84095. All are invited to join with Bishop Gonia in giving thanks for this ministry as it comes to a conclusion.
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- ELCA Madagascar Consultation, Chicago IL
- Rainbow Trail-Staff Closing
- Trinity Fowler
- Missional Gathering Planning
- Disability Task Force WebEx
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Annual ELCA Companion Synod Consultation on Madagascar, Chicago IL
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Christ the King, Lakewood
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Mission congregation accompaniment and ministry reviews
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Lutheran Center & Call Process Administration
Erin Power, Diaconal Ministry
- Theological Conference planning
- Ministry Reviews
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- Medicaid Coalition
- Supportive Housing Task Force
- Migration Webinar
Peter Severson - Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
- Preach/adult forum at First, Ault, CO
- CDHS Strategic Planning meetings
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| CALENDAR |
website calendar
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
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READ THE SEPTEMBER
ISSUE OF LANDSCAPE
The Landscape newsletter is designed to include flat or folded in your Sunday bulletin or monthly newsletter. Or, include a link to it in your email newsletter. Read it now. A printed copy was mailed to every church office today in the financial mailing. LANDSCAPE includes roster changes, RMS financial report, and more. |
2015 Leadership Retreat / Theological Conference is September 21-24 at Estes Park
Registration deadline is August 20!
Registration is open for the annual gathering for leaders in the Rocky Mountain Synod.
Those who have been participating in the Journey of Renewal program will gather one day early for the program closing retreat.
So, What are You Doing with Your Life? And Why? Sat., Aug 22, 2015, 9:00 am-3:00 pm The Lutheran Center, Denver
Vocation is bigger than your job. It is your baptismal life in the world--the way you respond to God's call and grace. It is as big as your life in the world. Dr. Kurt Hendel, recently retired faculty member from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, joins Pastors Zach Parris and Ron Roschke to explore how we engage in this baptismal vocation. The workshop will offer tools and practices for discerning your vocation. This retreat is part of El Camino Colorado, the vocational discernment program of Lutheran Campus Ministry-CU Boulder. For more information, including registration, please visit this link.
You may still register!
Pre-Retirement Seminar for ELCA leaders
is August 17 in Albuquerque
If you're 50+, it's a good idea to plan for retirement. A seminar won't be offered in Albuquerque for quite some time, so this is great opportunity to participate in that region! IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER.
Learn How to Minimize Debt, Optimize Assets, and Customize a Strategy for Retirement
Portico Benefit Services, in collaboration with Ernst & Young, invites you to join us for a day-long seminar on the fundamentals of personal finance. You'll get information from a certified Ernst & Young financial planner on these questions and more:
- How much money will I really need in retirement?
- How can I avoid common retirement traps?
- How can I protect my assets to ensure the money is there when I need it?
- How can I create lifetime income?
- What steps can I take to ensure a smooth transition into retirement?
Here is more information about a seminar:
Location: St. Luke Lutheran Church 9100 Menaul Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87112
Date: Monday, August 17, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register now
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| 2015 MISSIONAL GATHERINGS |
Eleven fall gatherings throughout
the RMS invite your participation
 This year's Missional Gatherings in each conference will help us explore our theme for the year, "Many Voices, One Song." The church is made of many voices, and each voice is as distinctive as the person or the community that sings it. The wonder of the project is how the voices all come together to make one song.
But really, the voices don't make the song; the song invites the voices to take up the project of making God's music. That is because the song is God's-God's love song for this world loved so deeply and always unfolding in Jesus' good news. We come together this fall to listen for the song and join our voices to the "Gospel music" God is making in the world.
REGISTER NOW AT THIS LINK
| Mountain West | Sat 9/19 | Good Shepherd
Glenwood Springs | 2-4 p.m. | | Metro East | Sun 9/20 | Augustana
Denver | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | | Metro West | Sat 9/26 | Holy Cross
Wheat Ridge | 10 a.m.-noon | | North Colorado | Sun 9/27 | Our Redeemer
Fort Morgan | 2-4 p.m. | | Wyoming | Sat 10/10 | Grace
Casper | Noon-3 p.m. | |
SE Colorado
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Sun 10/25
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First
Colorado Springs
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2-4 p.m.
| Boulder-
Broomfield | Sat 10/31 | Church of Hope
Broomfield | 10 a.m.-noon | |
Metro South
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Sun 11/1
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Christ the King
Denver
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1:30-3:30 p.m.
| | Utah | Sat 11/7 | Zion
Salt Lake City | 10 a.m.-noon | |
Border
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Sat 11/14
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St. Mark
Roswell
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10 a.m.-noon
| | N New Mexico | Sat 12/5 | Community of Joy
Rio Rancho, NM | 10 a.m.-noon |
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Better Together Fund:
A Utah Yoga Story
Elim Lutheran Church, and Ascension Lutheran Church, both of Ogden, UT, are "Better Together" and joining in a unique "Chair Yoga" class, according to Pastors DanaLee Simon of Elim and Gene Zeller of Ascension.
Pastor Simon said, "I know the idea of yoga can be intimidating for some - especially if you have never tried it. I promise you, though, that you can simply go at your own pace! Chair yoga offers a gentle way to move your body no matter your physical condition. If you don't want to do a certain pose, you can feel free just to sit in the beautiful silence. So, wear some comfortable clothes and simply come and be present."
There is no charge for this event because a Thrivent Community Action grant that will pay for lunch. The event is on Wednesday morning, August 19 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Ascension Lutheran, 1105 North Washington Boulevard in Ogden.
Consider a gift to the Better Together Fund
The Scriptures remind us that we are the Body of Christ, woven together for the sake of our witness to God's love and grace. As members of the ELCA we claim the power of being Christ's Church-Better Together.
 At our Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly in May the Synod Council announced the Better Together Fund, an opportunity for those passionate about our shared ministry as a synod and as a global church to set aside one dollar a day (or more) for the foundational work we do together.Learn more and give a gift online.
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RMS Resolution on Israel: Resources For congregational study and action
In May, voting members to the 2015 Synod Assembly passed a resolution, calling on the US to make its aid to Israel contingent on Israel ending its settlement construction in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
* The text of the resolution
* List of resources and links
* A sample letter to senator/representative
* Kairos Palestine document in English
* Kairos Palestine document in Spaniksh
* Study guide for reading Kairos Palestine
Please contact members of Peace Not Walls if you would like speakers or help. Contact information is on the list of resources.
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 Connect students you know with any Lutheran Campus Ministry in the country!
Help your students find a welcoming and supportive community when they go to college by connecting them with Lutheran Campus Ministry! Please go to www.elcacampusministry.org to connect a student with any Lutheran Campus Ministry in the country or contact a campus ministry in the Rocky Mountain Synod directly:
University of Colorado - Boulder
Pastor Zach Parris
lcmpastor@colorado.edu
Colorado State University
pastor@lcmcsu.org
University of Northern Colorado
Pastor Deb Abbott
lcm.unco@gmail.com
University of Wyoming
Pastor Rachel Larson
pastorrachel@qwestoffice.net
Utah State University
Pastor Scott Thalacker
pastorpop7@gmail.com
University of New Mexico and
Central New Mexico Community College
Pastor Anne Morawski
lcm@unm.edu
New Mexico State University
Pastor Jared Carson
carsonj@peacelutheranlc.com
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Making Effective Decisions
in the Congregation
Tuesday, September 15, 3 to 8:00pm
at the Lutheran Center, Denver, CO
Making effective decisions allows pastors, councils and congregations to work together to bring our many voices into the song of the Gospel. Understanding how we make decisions and how groups make decisions is a critical aspect of being church together-carrying out our Mission-and building God's kingdom.
The workshop explores three key elements of effective decision-making:
- Communications styles and how they affect understanding
- The role of interests in individual and group decision-making
- The importance of active listening in decision-making and problem-solving
Workshop leaders are Rev Sarah Moening, Assistant to the Bishop, RMSELCA, and Rich Nelson, a member of Community of Joy Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM, with more than forty years experience in helping groups make effective decisions.The workshop is part of the Congregational Ministry Board's program in the Rocky Mountain Synod.
We are encouraging pastors, council presidents, church councils, and congregational leaders to attend. Please register with Rich Nelson: richnelson@cableone.net
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Confirmation Retreat at Sky Ranch
Our Coyote Howl Confirmation Retreat creates sacred space for confirmation students to build upon a foundation which will travel back with them to their home congregations. Coyote Howl offers community building, Bible study, worship and fellowship with youth from throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod. Alongside our dynamic, energetic and passionate staff, your youth will explore the way that God is at work in their individual communities along with how their connection to one another essentially shapes their journey of faith.
This program is designed to support your confirmation curriculum with time for congregations built in throughout the weekend.
Coyote Howl dates are September 25-27 and October 2-4. Cost: $105.
Contact our Program Director Kathryn Seyfarth via e-mail at kathryn@skyranchcolorado.org or at the office-970-493-5258 with questions or to register for the weekend.
Sky Ranch New Shower House Dedication
Yes, the shower house is now completed! This event has been years in the making as the old shower house was built as a temporary solution over 30 years ago. The shower house is the most-utilized building on site and we rejoice as it is replaced, preparing Sky Ranch for the next generation of ministry!
We would like to invite you to the dedication of the new shower house on Saturday, August 29 at 2:00 pm. A light lunch buffet will be served starting at noon.
Please RSVP to the Sky Ranch Camp office at 970-493-5258 by August 16.
Great Fall and Winter Retreat
Dates Available At Rainbow Trail
 As you begin planning another year of ministry consider the many benefits of taking time away to retreat with your groups at Rainbow Trail. Amazing hospitality in a peaceful and beautiful mountain setting provides the space for growing in community, reflecting on life, and preparing for the future. Dates are available from September - May. Please contact Ben Larson, ben@rainbowtrail.org, for special deals in January and February. More information available at www.rainbowtrail.org/retreats.
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GOD'S WORK. OUR HANDS
DAY OF SERVICE: SEPT 13
"God's work. Our hands." Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
 The date for the 2015 dedicated day of service is Sunday, September 13. Mark your congregation's calendar today! In speaking about his congregation's 2014 experience, a 10-year-old member from St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Whittier, Calif., puts it best: "It feels good to give." More information at this link.
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SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GATHERING
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Exciting changes for SHYG, November 20-22
 We have big changes in store for the High School Synod Gathering this November 20-22! If you have been doing the gathering for years or this is your first time, this is going to be a great retreat. This year's theme is "The Pursuit." We will be focusing on our individual giftedness and how those gifts fit into and help to forms the greater community of faith.
There are a lot of new surprises this year! Here's what's in store.
- The gathering will be held at the Denver Marriot West. It is 2-3 hours closer to our southern and western congregations with no travel difference for those up north.
- Added service component. We will be heading out to Denver in congregational groups on Saturday for service in the community.
- Fun activities in the hotel and surrounding area!
Some of the tried and true things that we always do will still be the
same!
- Small Groups
- Large Group
- Congregational time
- Saturday night Party!
Please mark your calendars and plan to join us November 20-22 in Denver! Cost has not yet been finalized, but budget for between $135-155.
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500th REFORMATION ANNIVERSARY
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 Oct. 31, 2017, will mark the observance of 500 years since Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, an act that sparked the Lutheran Reformation. A little more than a year before the anniversary, on Aug. 10-13, 2016, we will be hosting the Grace Gathering in conjunction with the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in New Orleans. Please save these dates now and make plans to attend the Grace Gathering.
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2015 RMSWO Fall Gathering
REGISTRATION FORM
REGISTRATION EXPLANATION
 The RMSWO 2015 Fall Gathering is Sept. 18-20, 2015, in Colorado Springs, CO at First Lutheran Church. The theme will be "Walking Side by Side-Part 2"-Mark 6:7.
Please use the Gathering Registration form above which includes the correct mailing address. Further information is included on the Walking Side by Side Registration Explanation sheet above, such as the early bird deadline of JULY 31 and recommended hotels. See you in Colorado Springs September 18-20, 2015!
Your sister in Christ,
Anna Thompson
President, RMSWO
307-221-3218
anna498.at@gmail.com
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Eucharist is second Wednesday of each month
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!
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Non-rostered positions available
Congregations and agencies are seeking non-rostered positions, such as office administrators, musicians, faith formation staff, and more. View positions at this link.
Nursery Assistant Position Available
Augustana Lutheran Church (5000 E Alameda Ave, Denver, 80246) is seeking a part-time nursery assistant who will work as part of a team in charge of nursery coverage during worship and special events. Usual schedule will include two Sundays a month, 7:45 a.m. to noon, with occasional weekday or evening hours as needed for special services. Must be at least 21 years of age, have experience working with young children, and be able to pass a background check. Send r�sum�s and inquiries to Yvonne Wilken ( yandertwilken@gmail.com).
Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, CO is currently seeking a new Chancel Choir Director. For more information and to apply:
http://www.trinitylutheranfc.org/jobs.html
Director of Youth & Education Ministries
Advent Lutheran Church Westminster, CO and St. John's Lutheran Church � Thornton, CO
For questions or to submit resume: YouthEdDirector@gmail.com or pastorbarb@qwestoffice.net
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Call Alena Lamarato at 307.684.7872
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Interfaith Meeting on Protecting Houses of Worship
WHAT: This interfaith meeting will focus on providing faith-based leaders with information about religious hate crimes, how the police and FBI conduct threat assessments, and how to fortify houses of worship from potential hate crimes and active shooter situations.
WHO: Faith-based leadership are urged to attend.
WHEN: August 18, 2015 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
WHERE: Shorter A.M.E. Church
3100 Richard Allen Court
Denver, Colorado 80202
RSVP: Please RSVP to Mary Leistikow at
by August 16, 2015.
Confirmation Retreat at Sky Ranch
Our Coyote Howl Confirmation Retreat creates sacred space for confirmation students to build upon a foundation which will travel back with them to their home congregations. Coyote Howl offers community building, Bible study, worship and fellowship with youth from throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod. Alongside our dynamic, energetic and passionate staff, your youth will explore the way that God is at work in their individual communities along with how their connection to one another essentially shapes their journey of faith.
This program is designed to support your confirmation curriculum with time for congregations built in throughout the weekend.
Coyote Howl dates are September 25-27 and October 2-4. Cost: $105.
Contact our Program Director Kathryn Seyfarth via e-mail at kathryn@skyranchcolorado.org or at the office-970-493-5258 with questions or to register for the weekend.
Volunteers needed to assist seniors and adults with disabilities with financial matters
The InnovAge Money Management program promotes independent living for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities. These disabilities could be physical or cognitive (memory loss). Trained volunteers assist participants with tasks such as sorting mail, organizing bills for payment, preparing budgets, balancing checkbooks and writing checks for the participant's signature, deciding which documents to keep and which should be shredded, and making sure that the participant maintains financial independence to live in their residence. These services are for residents in metro Denver. We currently have more participants than volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, contact Roger Miller, Money Management Program Manager, at romiller@myinnovage.org or at 303-300-6933. Volunteers usually spend 2-3 hours per month, per participant. Initial and on-going training is provided. Roger Miller is a member of Messiah Community Church, ELCA, Denver.
Mental Health First Aid course is October 22 at Bethany A "Mental Health First Aid" course will take place at Bethany Lutheran on October 22, 2015. It is designed to equip anyone to recognize and better respond to a situation where someone is or may be having trouble effectively coping with a mental health condition. Who: All are invited. It should be noted that this is a tremendous outreach program not only for the RMS, but also for the general community. At previous workshops, 75% of the participants were from outside the Bethany community. Limit of 25 participants. What: 8 hour certification course where Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis, and Substance Abuse are covered When: Thursday, October 22, 2015, 8am - 5pm Where: Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills Village, CO Cost: $20 per participant for the course manual, which is a required part of this workshop. Snacks and beverages will be provided by Bethany. Lunch: will not be provided.
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From Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado:
Child Nutrition Advocacy
Want to speak up on behalf of children experiencing hunger? Attend one of the Colorado Department of Human Services' upcoming town hall meetings and speak up! This is a unique opportunity to tell CDHS to prioritize and strengthen child nutrition programs. Those living in or near Larimer, Logan, Douglas, and Garfield Counties in Colorado are especially invited. Please contact Peter Severson of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado (pseverson@rmselca.org) if you are interested in learning more or plan to attend. Event details can be found here: http://www.colorado.gov.
Criminal Justice Action
Faith leaders in Colorado are appealing for the release of Rene Lima-Marin, a man who served a sentence for armed robbery and was paroled in 2008, only to be re-arrested in 2014 when the state discovered a clerical error, sending him back to prison to serve a minimum of 40 more years. In his six years of freedom, he took advantage of his second chance and was rehabilitated by getting married, becoming a father of two, working full-time, and mentoring youth to stay out of trouble. Advocates are calling on the Court of Appeals to recognize the injustice of re-incarcerating Mr. Lima-Marin and free him immediately.
People of faith are invited by restorative justice advocates to act in three ways:
(1) Sign a letter to the Court of Appeals asking for Mr. Lima-Marin's release. Contact Rev. Tina Yankee to add your name ( yankee.tina@gmail.com). (3) Wear clergy attire (if applicable) and attend the appeals hearing on August 12 at 9:00 AM at the Court of Appeals, 2 East 14th Ave, Denver.
Peace Not Walls Invitation:
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