PRAYERS
Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, you have taught us in your Son that love fulfills the law. Inspire us to love you with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength, and teach us how to love our neighbor as ourselves, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.


2015 Prayer Cycle
NOVEMBER 2015 
ROSTERED LEADERS ON LEAVE from CALL 
11/1

Paul Anderson  
Mary Black (DM)
Karen Gibson 
Tina Yankee 
Justin Nickel 
Julie McNitt
Rodney Hansen
Rick Green
Armando Rangel
Jim Hytjan 
Cindy Josephson
Doug Kings 
Jeff Louden
Chad Adamik
Paul Carlson
Jorge Espinoza
Stephanie Quick-Espinoza
Emily Ewing
Teri Hermsmeyer
Ann Maki (AIM)
Kevin Meyer
Peter Morin
Paul Olsen
Kate Schlechter

Dan Tisdel Installation
Friday October 30
6:30-8:00 p.m.
 
All are invited to attend the installation celebration for Pastor Dan Tisdel, who has been called to serve as pastor of First Lutheran, Church 148 Eagle St., Gypsum. The color of the day is red and all rostered leaders are invited to vest and process.


Brigette Weier Installation Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m.

All are invited to attend the installation celebration for Pastor Brigette Weier who has been called to serve as the Pastor and Director of Faith Formation at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E Hampden Ave, Cherry Hills Village, CO. The installation will take place on Wednesday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m. The color of the day is white, and all rostered leaders are invited to vest and to process. 

THIS WEEK
  
Bishop Jim Gonia
  • All Staff Meeting
  • Intern Gathering-Evergreen
  • Dan Tisdel Installation
  • Missional Gathering-Broomfield 
  • Lord of the Hills- Confirmation
  • Missional Gathering-Metro South
Pastor Ron Roschke 
  • Global Mission Committee Border Immersion
  • Missional Gathering- Broomfield
Pastor Sarah Moening 
  • All Staff Meeting
  • Peace Lutheran Church-El Paso

Pastor Judith VanOsdol
  • DEM transition
Pastor Kent Mueller   
  • All Staff Meeting
  • Call process administration
  • New website work
  • American Lutheran, Grand Junction, CO
  • Christ the King, Colorado Springs, CO
Erin Power, Diaconal Minister
  • All Staff Meeting
  • Dan Tisdel Installation
Ruth Hoffman - 
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM  
  • Legislative Finance Committee
  • All Staff meeting
Peter Severson - Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
  • All Staff Meeting
  • Interfaith Alliance Panel on religious freedom
  • Vacation
 

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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
 

  

 
RMS Congregations celebrated "Better Together" Sunday on October 25

Last Sunday, congregations throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod shared in a common liturgy and message for a "Better Together" celebration.

Pastor LaVonne Johnson-Holt, St. Mark's, Roswell, NM, said her congregation used a variety of voices to read the different parts of the message. That a similar liturgy was used in other parts of the synod was meaningful to those in worship.

"Being so remote makes it difficult for St. Mark's members to remember that we are part of something much larger," she said. "I appreciate every opportunity for us to make those connections." Members of the congregation suggested they might do something similar at another time using some of their own stories. 

"I got comments afterwards about how meaningful the service was, and the fact that others in our synod were using it as well helps tie us into the greater church," said Pastor Johnson-Holt.
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

 











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
Desert Springs presents cross to Father Cacoperdo

Desert Springs Lutheran Church, Truth or Consequences, NM, marked a duel celebration in
October.  Father Peter Cacoperdo (ECUSA), was presented a clergy cross from the 
congregation in conjunction with Clergy Appreciation Month and the thirty-fourth anniversary of Fr. Peter's ordination. 
Pictured are Margaret Cacoperdo, Fr. Peter Cacoperdo and Betty Hansen.  Betty has been a member of Desert Springs Lutheran almost from the time of the church's organization







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. 
WYOMING
 
COLORADO


Anti-racism workshop November 7th at Shepherd of the Valley in LaSalle.
Racism

  

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.

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].


Mark your calendars for the November 12 CSLC Fall Forum:
Can We Afford to Live in Metro Denver Anymore?
A Showcase of Initiatives and Programs of CSLC Members
While the need for low income and affordable housing dwarfs the resources of any one organization or effort, many are trying to address this crisis.  Learn about what CSLC member organizations are doing related to renters organizing, transit oriented development, permanent supportive housing, rental vouchers, faith based initiatives, senior housing needs, and funding sources for housing developments.

When: Thursday, November 12, 2015
4:00- 6:30 p.m.
Where: Augustana Lutheran Church
5000 E Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80246

Free, no RSVP necessary. Food and refreshments will be served
There will also be information tables by our supporting cosponsors.
Download a flyer with event information.
Have something to share? 
Sign up to have an information table at the event.
For questions, contact Katy Fleury [email protected]  or  Chaer Robert (303) 573-5559 x307 or  
[email protected]


MOVIES AT THE LUTHERAN CENTER:
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.