PRAYERS
Prayer of the Day

Sovereign God, you turn your greatness into goodness for all the peoples on earth. Shape us into willing servants of your kingdom, and make us desire always and only your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.


2015 Prayer Cycle
 
SOCIAL MINISTRIES
AND AGENCIES
10/25

Border Servant Corp
Las Cruces, NM
Kari Lenander
 
Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center
Brush, Colorado
Shelly Griffin
Rosalie (Ro) Fesser, DM
Dan Hays
 
Emerson Gardens
Denver, Colorado
Jan Wright

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountain
Denver, Colorado
Jim Barclay
 
Lutheran Social Service of the South
El Paso, Texas
Jose Alamillo

Lutheran Refugee Services
Denver, Colorado
James Horan

Luthercare, Inc
Casper, Wyoming
Jill Elliott

Mosaic
Omaha, Nebraska
Linda Timmons

Urban Servant Corps
Denver, Colorado
Krista Kilgas


THIS WEEK
  
Bishop Jim Gonia
  • Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande, 
  • Grace Lutheran, CO Springs
  • Missional Gathering SE Colorado - First Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO
  • Dinner with German Pastors
  • Dean's WebEx
Pastor Ron Roschke 
  • Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago IL
  • Campus Ministry Committee
  • Global Mission Trip to El Paso
  • Sky Ranch Board Meeting
Pastor Sarah Moening 
  • Preach at Glory of God, Wheat Ridge, CO
  • Dean's WebEx
  • Conference Coordinator WebEx

Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • DEM transition
Pastor Kent Mueller   
  • Call process administration
  • New website work
  • Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, CO
Erin Power, Diaconal Minister
  • Reformation 500 Planning
  • Missional Gathering, Colorado Springs
Ruth Hoffman - 
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM  
  • Interfaith Hunger Coalition
  • Legislative Health & Human services Committee
  • LAM_NM Policy Committee.
Peter Severson - Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
  • Interfaith Alliance panel on religious freedom
  • Together CO Metro Denver caucus.
 

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CONGREGATIONS
CALENDAR
website calendar 

  

 2015
 

  

NOVEMBER 20-22

2015 Senior High Youth Gathering

  

 

2016   

 
JANUARY 15-17
Middle School Youth Gathering
Hotel Elegante
Colorado Springs, CO 

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

SEPTEMBER 19-22 
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
 

  

 
Worship resource provided for RMS "Church Together" Sunday on October 25

Our "Church Together" Sunday is an invitation for Rocky Mountain Synod congregations to worship in unity with one another, sharing together their Many Voices in One Song. You will use your typical worship experience, sharing words of the provided "Narrative Eucharist" throughout the liturgy, as a replacement for the Sunday sermon. The document includes some suggested hymns. Download the document now for use on the October 25.

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

 







SE Colorado
Sun 10/25
First
Colorado Springs
2-4 p.m.
Boulder-
Broomfield
Sat 10/31Church of Hope
Broomfield
10 a.m.-noon
Metro South
Sun 11/1
Christ the King
Denver
1:30-3:30 p.m.
UtahSat 11/7Zion
Salt Lake City
10 a.m.-noon
Border
Sat 11/14
St. Mark
Roswell
10 a.m.-noon
N New MexicoSat 12/5Community of Joy
Rio Rancho, NM
10 a.m.-noon




 

RMS YOUTH GATHERINGS

Senior High
Youth Gathering 
November 20 - 22, 2015
Denver Marriott West
West Denver, Colorado

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.
   
"Cornerstone" volunteers needed for youth gatherings
 
Cornerstone is an important piece of the High School and Middle School Youth Gatherings held each year by the Rocky Mountain Synod. As Cornerstone you will help facilitate the gathering experience from setting up for the weekend, leading a bible study, setting a safe environment for participants or simply being a good listener and friend.  

Cornerstone is the foundation for the gathering and their help is greatly appreciated by the planning team and those at the gathering.  If you are interested in being apart of the Cornerstone Team for the Senior High Youth Gathering, November 20-22, please e-mail Eric Plothow at [email protected] or Kathryn Seyfarth at [email protected] for the application.





Middle School
Youth Gathering
January 15 - 17, 2016
Hotel Elegant�
& Conference Center

Colorado Springs, Colorado 

WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!

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. Currently the amount raised is $35,670.
 



YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Seeking two RMS youth to represent us at the ELCA Youth Leadership Summit, Nov 5-8

We are seeking two RMS youth to represent the RMS at the ELCA Youth Leadership Summit Nov. 5-8 near Omaha.  Cost will be covered by the RMS. The ELCA Youth Leadership Summit is an annual gathering for youth leaders and adults from across this church.  

This summit focuses on leadership development, faith formation, and building connections for high school youth in the ELCA. The Youth Leadership Summit is a shared ministry between ELCA Youth Ministry and SYMBOL Networks. Participants are expected to share their experience at the Youth Discipleship Team gathering Thursday night before the Sr. High Gathering.  If you know someone who is interested, contact Melanie Ferraro by Oct. 1. More info.

Calling Awesome Youth Leaders for the new RMS Youth Discipleship Team!

From Nov. 19-20 we will kick-off the first official gathering of the Youth Discipleship Team (formerly LYO) for the RMS!  

YDT is meant to empower youth as current leaders in the Church, to provide a space for youth voice, and to show youth the greater Church.  If you have awesome youth leaders in your congregation, please encourage them to come!  Room and board will be provided and we are seeking funding to cover transportation costs.  For more information contact  Melanie Ferraro.  Deadline to register is Nov. 1!


OUTDOOR MINISTRY
RTLC Confirmation Retreat, November 6-8!

Bring your Confirmation class to Rainbow Trail for a fulfilling weekend together in the mountains. The theme for the weekend will be "Holy Humor: Our Lord, Our Life, Our Laughter."  Pastor Russ Britton of Bethany Lutheran Church in Denver will be leading large group sessions and small group discussions, allowing for great conversation and meaningful takeaways for these youth.  "Pastor Russ will help us look at our lives of faith through the joy God wishes for us. We'll explore how the confirmation promises might equip our joy and prepare us for the less joyful parts of life.  It seems to Pastor Russ that smiles, laughter, and times of joy are all a part of that."

Prices for the weekend are $85/youth ($25 non-refundable deposit), and $60/adult leader.  

Register online, or contact Ben Jarvis at [email protected] or 719-276-5233 with any questions.


TO THE POINT


Luther Seminary offers Lay School classes
Luther Seminary has developed a series on Lutheran theology and the Lutheran church designed especially for training and education prior to the observance of the 500th year of the Reformation. Several of these classes are available online/webcasts. Information at this link (corrected).


Faith Formation webinar is November 5

The Lutheran Campus Ministry Network (LCMNet) has scheduled a webinar entitled "Faith Formation in Young Adults" for Thursday, November 5, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. The webinar will be led by Dr. Roland Martinson, and is designed for Lutheran Campus Ministry staff and other professionals who work with young adults. Please contact Don Romsa ([email protected]) for more information on this free webinar.

OUR LIFE TOGETHER

Rostered leader transitions and openings

Rostered leaders include pastors, diaconal ministers, associates in ministry, and deaconesses. View a list of congregations in transition at this link.
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 Maria Sutton if you are interested in leading worship!  
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Non-rostered positions available

Congregations and agencies are seeking non-rostered positions, such as office administrators, musicians, faith formation staff, and more.  
 

Seeking LPN�s and RN�s at Ebenezer Care Center

Ebenezer Care Center, Brush, Colorado is seeking LPNs and RNs to Join the Eben Ezer Team. We offer new grades an exciting place to start their career with a reputation for the highest quality of care for over 100 years. We offer consistent assignments and great benefits. Apply by October 15, 2015 to qualify for a Sign-on Bonus. For more information and to apply please go to  www.ebenezer-cares.org or stop by 122 Hospital Road, Brush, CO 80723.  Contact Carolyn Mickey, Nursing Home Administrator at (970)842-2861, ext. 213 or  [email protected] .
 
UTAH
NEW MEXICO / TEXAS





2015 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM
Advocacy Conference is November 7

The 2015 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Advocacy  Conference will be Saturday, November 7 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Albuquerque (211 Jefferson NE 87108). The conference will take place from 9:00 am until 1 pm and the cost is $15 per person, including lunch. Our lunch speaker will be state Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino and breakout session topics will include advocacy basics, hunger, predatory lending and more. Plan now to attend and learn more about advocating for our many neighbors living in poverty. 

To register or for more information, contact Ruth Hoffman at [email protected] or 505.984.8005.  Registration deadline: Nov. 3. 

St. Peter Pumpkin Patch now open in Carlsbad, NM
 
LOCATION: St. Peter Lutheran Church
       1302 W. Pierce Street
       Carlsbad NM 88220
 
HOURS: Monday � Friday: 3:00 �- 7:00 pm
           Saturday: 10:00 am �- 7:00 pm
           Sunday: 1:00 �- 5:00 pm
 


St. Francis:
Face to Face
 
A one-man "reader's theater" play
on the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi
 
 
Tuesday October 27, 2015 at 7 pm at Cross of Hope Lutheran Church
6104 Taylor Ranch Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
Free - please bring canned food for the Storehouse
 
So, was Francis crazy? Was he a fool? Crazy with Love? A fool for Christ embracing lepers and preaching to the birds? And just a bit mad to believe that God was proposing peace and non-violence as a way of life?  Come and decide for yourself!!! David Hoover brings to life this inspiring spiritual teacher from the past.
 
Hosted by Luther House & Lutheran Campus Ministry at UNM and CNM, Inscape Ministries, Cross of Hope Lutheran Church, and Campaign Nonviolence.  For more information contact Pastor Anne Morawski at [email protected] or go to www.inscapeministries.org.


Register Now for the 
Congregational Vitality Series
with the Rev. Scott Anderson
Oct 23 & 24

Leading Change in Congregations: 
Reaching Out & Avoiding Common Mistakes



Friday, Oct. 2
3 * Reception and Open House * 6 - 9 pm
NMCC's office, 
1019 2nd St. NW, Albq.
Cost is $50 per person
Rev. Anderson will discuss the Wisconsin Council of Churches' project with Parker Palmer, "Season of Civility"
 
Saturday, Oct. 24 *  9 am - 3 pm * St. John's UMC, Albuquerque
Lunch will be provided 
Cost is $35 per person

"Moving Back into the Neighborhood: Initial Steps in Transitional Work"
and
"Leading Change in Congregations: Some Common Mistakes"
 
Information and tickets at nmchurches.org


WYOMING
 
COLORADO
Pastors from Germany visiting: Jazz Mass at Lord of the Mountains, Dillon!

On October 23, 2015, thirteen pastors from the Badische Landeskirche in Germany will arrive in the Rocky Mountain Synod for a six day visit.  On our last evening together, Wednesday, October 28, Lord of the Mountains in Dillon, Colorado, will host a dinner with a Jazz Mass by Pr. Paul Carlson, following.    

You are invited to join us for dinner (RSVP, please, so we'll have enough food: [email protected]  or (970) 468-6809!) and conversation at 5:30 p.m., and worship at 7:00 p.m. at 56 Hwy 6 in Dillon, CO.  We would love to have you here to share this special occasion.


Anti-racism workshop November 9th at Shepherd of the Valley in LaSalle.
Racism

  
Parish House Baroque: Tapestries of Harmony

Friday, October 23, 7:30 p.m.       
Sunday, October 25, 4:30 p.m.
In the First Lutheran Parish House travel back to the golden age of music with Parish House Baroque, Colorado Springs' early music ensemble, and enjoy a feast of musical treasures by Purcell, Gibbons, Boyce, Bertali, Handel, and Pergolas. Featuring Elisa Wicks and Terri Moon, baroque violin; Pam Chaddon, baroque cello; Nancy Andrew, baroque flute; and Eric Wicks, harpsichord. 
 
Tickets are available at the reception desk at First Lutheran Church during the week (8:00 am to 5:30 pm.)  They will be available at the door the day of the performance as long as tickets are still available.




Annual Global Gift Fair is Nov 7 & 8 at Atonement, Lakewood, CO
 


Atonement Lutheran Church will be hosting its annual Global Gift Fair this year. Dates will be Sat. Nov 7 & Sun. Nov. 8. Times: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Location: Atonement Lutheran Church, 6281 W. Yale, Lakewood, CO 80227. Phone: 303 985-1122. The church is located on the north side of Yale Ave. between Sheridan & Wadsworth. The parking lot is on the north side of the church.

Conversations about Religious Freedom

Gather with leaders from across the state to hear from National Director of The Interfaith Alliance, Rabbi Jack Moline, and to discuss what is happening with this issue at the national level, and here in Colorado.
 
What: Clergy Lunch to explore Religious Freedom
Where: Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape St., Denver
When: Wednesday, October 28, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Email with questions: [email protected]
 
Nov. 7 Symposium on Food, Religion, Culture, and Social Justice

Join the Colorado Council of Churches for Just Food, an inaugural symposium lifting up issues at the intersection of food, religion, culture, and social justice. The goal is to move congregations along the journey from food charity to food justice through a deeper understanding of the root causes of hunger. Christian perspectives on food and culture will be offered, but anyone is invited!
 
When: Saturday, November 7, 2015, 8:00am-4:00pm
Where: Iliff School of Theology, Shattuck Hall, 2323 E Iliff Ave
Cost: $15 per person by October 15. Register at this link.

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado is offering six (6) scholarships for this event (max of 2 per congregation). If you are interested, please contact Peter Severson: 303-777-6700 or [email protected].


My Neighborhood/Homefront
from Sheikh Jarrah, an East Jerusalem neighborhood
-Short films, chronicling the human impact of Israeli settlements and nonviolent efforts to prevent the displacement of Palestinian families
Saturday, November 14
4:00 pm - at the Lutheran Center
7375 Samuel Drive (near Boulder Turnpike and Pecos)
The stories of these Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers help us better understand how Israeli settlements are related to today's news. My Neighborhood tells the story of Mohammad El Kurd, a teenager whose family is forced to give up part of their home and live under the same roof as Israeli settlers and the unexpected support his family finds from Israeli allies.
Homefront includes three connected stories: an Israeli mother who becomes involved in the demonstrations when her children are arrested for protesting; a former Israeli soldier who takes on a leading role in the protests; and a Palestinian community organizer who spearheads the involvement of local women, even as her own home is threatened.
Sponsored by Rocky Mountain Synod Peace Not Walls 


Seeking team: social message on gender-based violence
Interested in helping your congregation fight gender-based violence in your community? The ELCA is in the process of developing a Social Message on Gender Based Violence that will come before the ELCA Church Council this November. All expressions of the ELCA, including synods and congregations, will be encouraged to address the issues identified in this statement.

The Rocky Mountain Synod is putting together a team to develop a strategy for addressing these concerns. If you are interested in learning more about this team and/or joining us, or know someone in your congregation who would be interested, contact Judy Lounsberry, [email protected] , 303-347-2158, or Linda Jantzen, [email protected], 303-794-4489.


Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Fort Collins
Alternative Giving Fair and Market
 
Saturday, November 7, 9:00 to 4:00
Sunday, November 8, 9:00 to 12:00
 
Please join us for the annual Alternative Giving Fair and Market at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 1200 South Taft Hill Road, Fort Collins. Every purchase you make
gives someone hope for a better life. The Alternative Giving Fair supports Fair Trade and provides an alternative to traditional Holiday gifts. Beautiful, handcrafted items created by people around the world- give a gift this season that gives back to the world!
 
Free Admission. Coffee, soup and baked items available for freewill donations to benefit Homelessness Prevention.

1200 South Taft Hill Road
Fort Collins, Colorado
482-9692 www.sothfoco.org
Every purchase you make gives someone hope for a better life. All "Fair" participants are non-profit organizations.