Prayer of the Day
Lord God, source of every blessing, you showed forth your glory and led many to faith by the works of your Son, who brought gladness and salvation to his people. Transform us by the Spirit of his love, that we may find our life together in him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Deborah Ann Cot� ordination will be
January 23
At 10 am with reception to follow at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 111 Del Mar Circle
Aurora, Colorado, 80011.
All rostered leaders are invited to process. The color of the day is red.
Deborah has been called to serve the people of God
at Iglesia Luterana Jes�s de Nazaret in Aurora, Colorado.
Installation of Pastor Margot Wright is January 31
Pastor Margot Wright has been called to serve as the pastor of Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church. Installation is 3 p.m. on January 31, 2016, 21755 E Smoky Hill Rd, Aurora, CO 80015. Website.
Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green. A fellowship reception will follow.
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| CONGREGATIONS |
RMS Prayer Cycle
METRO WEST CONFERENCE
1/17
Good Shepherd Glenwood Springs, CO
Jeffrey Carlson
Highlands Denver, CO
Liliana Stahlberg
Holy Cross Wheat Ridge, CO
Ron Bock
King of Glory Arvada, CO
Todd Payne
Lord of the Mountains Dillon, CO
Stephanie Kopsch
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- All Staff Meeting
- MSYG
- Executive Committee WebEx
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Candidacy meetings
- Follow-up on Global Mission and Campus Ministry Committee meetings
- Preach at Trinity, Boulder
- Sky Ranch Board meeting
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Prep for MSYG
- Interim Pastors Gathering
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
- ELCA/CSM (Congregational Synodical Mission) Redeveloper's Conference
- Strategic planning with Synod's redevelopers
- Evaluation with developers and redevelopers
- Aurora Area Ministry Strategy
Pastor Kent Mueller
- RMS Administration
- Preach at Spirit of Joy, Fort Collins
Erin Power, Diaconal Minister
- Middle School Youth Gathering Prep
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- Legislative session preparation
- Staff meeting
- House Appropriations & Finance Committee
- United Church (UCC) Santa Fe
Peter Severson- Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
- Opening day of CO Legislature
- CFI Fiscal Forum
- All Saints, Austin. CO
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| CALENDAR |
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
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"Confronting Racism: A Holy Yearning"
Live Webcast: Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. Mountain Time
 This live conversation with Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will offer a variety of perspectives on the U.S. criminal justice system. As with the previous webcast, we will work from two commitments. One is this church's proclamation of Christ and the confidence that this good news brings to set us all free from the captivity of racism. The second is this church's enduring commitment to address the complexity of racism and end discrimination. If you cannot tune in for the live broadcast, a recording will be available at www.ELCA.org/webcast.
While many of you have held conversations about racism in your congregations and communities, view this video to see what our sisters and brothers in the ELCA South Carolina Synod are doing as an example of ways we can build new relationships, listen and learn from one another.
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2016 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Bishop's Legislative Luncheon & Issues Briefing on Thursday, February 4
The Bishop's Legislative Luncheon will be at 12:30 pm in La Terraza at La Fonda Hotel (100 East San Francisco) on Thursday, February 4.
In order to help meet our growing expenses for this event, the cost of the luncheon has been increased to $35 per person. The cost is reduced to $30 when 4 or more people attend from your congregation or group. If you are only able to attend the morning Issues Briefing, the cost is $10. Deadline for reservations is January 31.
Please make reservations by calling the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM office at 505.984.8005 or sending an email to info@lutheranadvocacynm.org . More details in the NM section below.
Colorado Faith Advocacy Day is Saturday, Feb. 20 at Bethany Lutheran Church
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado invites everyone to join us for Colorado Faith Advocacy Day 2016 on Saturday, February 20, at Bethany Lutheran Church. Mark your calendars now! More details will be announced this month and registration will open in early January.
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RMS Earth Stewards encourages
study of climate change
 The RMS Earth Stewards Team recently heard a presentation from the Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL), http://citizensclimatelobby.org/about-ccl/ . CCL is requesting the Synod endorse two of CCL's position statements on climate change. The Earth Stewards Team believes the request is worthy of consideration, and plans to bring a resolution to the Assembly next April. We therefor are providing this information and encourage congregations to investigate further.
Who They Are: The Citizens' Climate Lobby, a national, non-profit, non-partisan, volunteer organization, works to build the political will needed to address the climate crisis. The Lobby educates other citizens about global warming; builds relationships with Members of Congress and encourages them to take action; and promotes a specific public policy (a Carbon Fee and Dividend) designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to encourage the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy (www.citizensclimatelobby.org). Citizens' Climate Lobby volunteers are soliciting endorsements from knowledgeable individuals and influential institutions across the United States that will be compiled and presented to Congress.
The Request: CCL is asking the Rocky Mountain Synod to endorse two statements: One focuses on the need for national legislation to address the climate crisis and the other for Congress to adopt the CCL policy proposal.
As preparation for discussion of this request at Assembly, churches are encouraged to arrange presentations from CCL volunteers regarding their work. Requests for presentations may be submitted to Denver CCL Volunteer, Kathleen Wells (kathleen.wells@case.edu), who will relay them to chapters throughout the region.
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JOURNEY INTO A DEEPER FAITH WALK
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"Sing a New Song" discipleship event in Albuquerque is June 28-30
Learn more about how to create and sustain a discipleship congregation using the ancient faith formation process known as the Catechumenate.
Rediscovered by many Protestant and Roman Catholic congregations, it is a journey into a deeper faith walk and baptismal living. The North American Association for the Catechumenate (NAAC) is an ecumenical organization that partners with a variety of denominations in North America to provide faith formation resources and training for congregational leaders.
Upcoming events in 2016 include the Annual Gathering featuring Marty Haugen, Dan Benedict, and Lizette Larson-Miller speaking on the theme "Sing a New Song: Unpacking the Mystery of Faith." The event will be held June 28-30, 2016 at the Bosque Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Also planned is a Catechumenate Training Institute for congregational leaders that will be offered Sept. 29-Oct. 1, at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Scholarships for seminarians and first-call pastors are available for both events. Contact registrar Devra Betts at devrabetts@gmail.com. For more information and online registration, check out the NAAC website http://www.catechumenate.org .
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MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GATHERING
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Middle School Youth Gathering News
Adult Leaders: The schedule and congregation/small group devotions will be posted on the website by the end of the week. All information and links needed during the gathering can be accessed through the website: www.rmselca/msyg
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Consider a fiscal year-end 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.
The RMS fiscal years ends January 31, so it's a great time to give!
Gifts may be given online, or send in a check made out to Rocky Mountain Synod. Gifts of appreciated stock are also welcome, providing a smart gifting strategy. Send an email to Kent Mueller to receive information about giving a gift of stock.
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Rostered leader transitions and openings
Rostered leaders include pastors, diaconal ministers, associates in ministry, and deaconesses. View the list of congregations in transition at this link on the new RMS website:
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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 11:30 am at the Office of the Bishop. Email Maria Sutton if you are interested in leading worship!
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Non-rostered positions available
ORGANIST / ACCOMPANIST (part time)
Grace Lutheran Church, 1001 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302
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Wyoming Junior High Retreat is March 11-13
All Wyoming Conference congregations are invited to participate in the 2nd annual Wyoming Conference Jr. High Retreat to be held March 11-13, 2016.
The retreat will be at Grace Lutheran in Casper. If you are interested in bringing your youth, contact Pastor Brenda at 307-258-6149. We will work together to plan our theme and schedule
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LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY
NEW MEXICO
2016 Bishop's Luncheon &
Issues Briefing: February 4
You are invited and urged to attend the 2016 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Bishop's Legislative Luncheon & Issues Briefing on Thursday, February 4.
PLEASE NOTE: This year, the morning Issues Briefing will be at the United Church (1804 Arroyo Chamiso, which is near Christ LutheranChurch). Registration and refreshments will begin at 9:00 am.
The Bishop's Legislative Luncheon will be at 12:30 pm in La Terraza at La Fonda Hotel (100 East San Francisco). In order to help meet our growing expenses for this event, the cost of the luncheon has been increased to $35 per person. The cost is reduced to $30 when 4 or more people attend from your congregation or group. If you are only able to attend the morning Issues Briefing, the cost is $10. Deadline for reservations is January 31. Please make reservations by calling the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM office at 505.984.8005 or sending an email to info@lutheranadvocacynm.org. After the luncheon, there will be a chance to visit the Roundhouse, contact your legislators and get acquainted with the capitol. Those who can join us for this opportunity will meetafter the luncheon at about 2:15 in the east lobby of the Roundhouse. See you on February 4!
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Colorado Council of Churches January Newsletter
Learn about our work and ministry with our ecumenical and interfaith partners. The Colorado Council of Churches newsletter for January is available, by clicking here
Piano Concert in Loveland is Jan 29
Gary Schmidt is the church musician at Bethel Lutheran Church, Windsor, Colorado. He is presenting an "Evening with the Classics" on Friday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rialto Theatre, 228 E. 4th Street, Loveland.
The concert will feature well-loved piano classics by Bach, Chopin, Debussy, Rachmaninoff and other. Tickets are $15, ($12 seniors/students). Available from the box office at 970-962-2120.
Beyond Divorce: Seminar series begins January 14
Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends, begins on Thursday, January 14, 2016, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch. The 10 week seminar is from 6:30 to 8:30 PM each Thursday, and promotes healing for those who are going through a divorce or the ending of a love relationship. Education, support and optional social activities are provided. Complementary child care is available. For more information please contact Beth Walker at 720-352-9915 or bethdwalker@gmail.com
Tool for premarital and married couples: Enrich
Prepare/Enrich Facilitator Training is being offered on Friday, January 29, 2016, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Avenue, in Cherry Hills Village. The workshop is designed to teach facilitators to utilize this tool to assist both premarital and married couples in understanding and improving their relationship. For more information or to register, please contact Beth Walker at bethdwalker@gmail.com or 720-352-9915.
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