Prayers for Pastor Wolfgang Stahlberg, recovering in Germany
Pastor Wolfgang Stahlberg continues to recover from surgery after a serious aortic aneurysm. He is now released from the hospital and gaining strength! Pastor Liliana Stahlberg is so very appreciative of your prayers!
Installation
On Saturday, March 19, at 2:00 pm Pastor Chris Davis will be installed as the pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Loveland, CO. Everyone is welcome! Rostered leaders: the color of the day will be purple. 3333 Duffield Ave, Loveland, CO 80538
Prayer of the Day
Creator God, you prepare a new way in the wilderness, and your grace waters our desert. Open our hearts to be transformed by the new thing you are doing, that our lives may proclaim the extravagance of your love given to all through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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| CONGREGATIONS |
RMS Prayer Cycle
BOOULDER BROOMFIELD CONFERENCE
3/13
Atonement Boulder, CO
Kari Reiquam(interim)
Cross of Christ Broomfield, CO
Ann Hultquist
Kathleen Armstrong
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Lord of the Mountains, Dillon, CO
- First, Colorado Springs
- Strategic Planning
Pastor Ron Roschke
- TEEM Competency Assessment Panel and Accompanying
meetings, El Paso TX - Candidacy Meetings
- Preach at Mt.Hope, El Paso TX
- Education Event, Peace, Las Cruces NM
- Consultation with Border Servant Corps
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Transitions Work
- Interim pastors
- Faith Formation Network
- Mount of Olives, Rock Springs, WY
Pastor Judith VanOsdol
- New Beginnings prison ministry
- Aurora Area Ministry Strategy
- Iglesia Luterana Nazaret, Denver CO
- St Stephens Episcopal
- Well of Hope, Castle Rock.
- Casa de Paz
- Our Savior's, Denver
- Christ the King, Denver with Abiding Hope Littleton
- Cristo Rey Denver
Pastor Kent Mueller
- RMS Administration
- Interim Pastors
- Re*Formation Planning
Erin Power, Diaconal Minister
- Assembly Planning
- Adult Forum at Highlands
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, NM
- Medicaid Coalition
- Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee
- NM Conference of Churches Board
Peter Severson- Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, CO
- Legislative hearings
- CSLC noon meeting
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| CALENDAR |
2016
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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Pastor Ron Roschke to retire on June 1
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ--
 Last week, on March 1, I submitted a letter to the Synod Council Executive Committee announcing my plan to retire effective June 1, 2016. I have been in discernment about this for many months now. This decision is really the result of two separate streams of reflection coming together.
First, approaching my 68th birthday recently intensified thoughts I have had over the past year--that now is the appropriate time for me to close one chapter and start a new one in my life.
Second, as plans have unfolded for our synod's strategic planning effort, I saw that my retirement could open up new and creative options for the Synod Council and the Office of the Bishop to consider a variety of approaches for staffing; it would be much more difficult to envision this if all the pieces of the "staffing puzzle" remain in place.
I want you all to know how deeply I have appreciated these past three-and-a-half years and the opportunities to serve Christ in such a different way so late in my pastoral career. I have valued working with our Bishop and my colleagues on staff, as well as the dedication of the Synod Council and standing committees which work sacrificially for carrying out our synodical ministry.
My prayer is that the work we have done together will be a strong foundation for continuing to build our common witness to God's good news in Christ for the sake of the world. Our baptismal vocation calls us to ongoing transformation; this is the way we participate in God's plans.
I am excited to see where this unfolding project will go, and I pray that God may continue to use all our gifts as the embodiment of God's projects for this planet and all its people--objects and recipients of deep, divine love. Blessings on the journey! Your brother and servant in Christ, Ron Roschke
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Is your congregation
missing from this list?
 We are compiling email addresses of council members for our strategic planning process and to communicate more effectively with more people in the Rocky Mountain Synod! So far we have 98 congregations of our 164. Thank you!
Check if your congregation has submitted email addresses
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Youth Presence at Synod Assembly!
 High school youth are encouraged to attend the assembly, either as a voting member or a visitor. Congregations who bring youth as a visitor cost is $150. This covers food and part of a room if they want to stay with other youth. Covenants and other important information will be posted on the assembly website soon!
- Special events just for youth:
- Reception and orientation Thursday evening following worship
- Lunch with Mikka McCracken, Program Director for World Hunger & our ELCA Church Wide Representative
- Meeting with representatives from CLU/PLTS
- Other fellowship opportunities hosted by the Youth Discipleship Team
Youth voting members should be registered as a "voting member;" youth visitors should select the "youth visitor" option. If your youth would like to stay with other youth, please email Korra Looschen: klooschen@greeleylutheran.org to reserve a hotel space.
Encourage youth to attend so they, too, can be part of "church better together"!
Assembly Registration
Deadline is March 16
NOMINATIONS
SYNOD COUNCIL:
This is the governing body for the Synod between Synod Assemblies. In addition to financial and legal business, it helps establish priorities for the synod and oversees progress on those priorities. A Friday/Saturday meeting takes place in the fall and in the winter, and a meeting takes places the day prior to the spring Synod Assembly. Other months, the Synod Council meets by WebEx video conferencing.
(4 year term unless otherwise noted)
Border (Vote for 1)
Lay Female
Boulder/Broomfield (Vote for 1)
Clergy
Metro West - (Vote for 1)
Lay Male
Southeast Colorado (Vote for 1)
Lay Female
Wyoming (Vote for 1)
Lay Male
at Large Clergy (Vote for 1)
Clergy
Youth 2 year term (Age 15-17)(Vote for 1)
Male or Female
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRIES BOARD
Works with Synod Council to identify major needs and areas of concern in all areas of congregational life and mission.
(4 year term unless otherwise noted)
Utah Lay or Clergy (Vote for 1)
at Large Lay or Clergy (Vote for 1)
COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINE
Provides part of the due process required when a party is accused of something for which they can be disciplined. This may include congregations, rostered leaders or members of congregations. This committee is called together only when needs arise.
(6 year term unless otherwise noted)
at Large Lay Female (Vote for 2)
at Large Lay Male (Vote for 2)
at Large Clergy (Vote for 2)
CONSULTATION COMMITTEE
When there is disagreement among factions within a congregation on a substantive issue that cannot be resolved by the parties, members of a congregation shall have access to the synodical bishop for consultation after informing the chair of the Congregation Council of their intent. If the consultation fails to resolve the issue(s), the Consultation Committee of this synod shall consider the matter.
(6 year term unless otherwise noted)
at Large Lay (Vote for 2)
at Large Clergy (Vote for 2)
RESOLUTIONS AND MEMORIALS
DISPLAYS, MINISTRY MAGAZINE, CENTERPIECE
The deadline is March 18 for signed up for a display table, a ministry magazine page, and something new: a ministry-theme centerpiece! Sign up now! Each organization or ministry is invited to create a ready-to-use page, submitted as a .pdf ideally, or Word document. The page should "tell a story" and include photos and graphics.
ASSEMBLY INFORMATION PACKET
ASSEMBLY VIDEO PROJECT
We will be weaving together submitted videos of people throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod singing the song: "Oh Sing to the Lord." A link to a piano version of the song is posted at http://rmselca.org/assembly-video-project so you may hear it to get the melody and tempo. It's hymn 822 in ELW. Metronome tempo of 70 beats per minute.
Go to http://www.webmetronome.com for metronome tempo. Be creative with the song as you sing it. Feel free to submit just a couple verses, or the whole thing, in English, or Spanish! Submit your videos in one of two ways. Upload them to a Dropbox account and send a share link to Kent (kmueller@rmselca.org) or send on a flash drive or disk to Kent at RMS, 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver 80221. We will return your flash drive. Deadline is April 1 for video submissions.
ASSEMBLY REGISTRATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are in need of 5-6 volunteers to assist with registration. Volunteers will need to be able to meet 1 week prior to assembly to help assemble registration materials (at the Office of the Bishop) and then be present on Thursday, April 28th from 10am- 4pm (Embassy Suites Loveland). If available your presence would be a welcomed gift on Friday as well. Please contact Erin Power if you are interested in serving in this way.
ASSEMBLY CHILD CARE TEAM NEEDED
We are looking for at least 2 people to provide child care Thursday-Saturday of the assembly. Assembly begins at 2pm on Thursday and ends by noon on Saturday. Interested people should meet Safe Haven.
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Concurrent with the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, come to the GRACE GATHERING August 10-13 in New Orleans
People from across the ELCA will see the assembly in action, participate in bible study and service learning with the voting members, see the work we do together as the ELCA, and worship with thousands of Lutherans.
The Grace Gathering begins at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 10 and concludes at 10:30 on Saturday, August 13. Participants will join with voting members for plenary sessions and worship as well as have their own workshops and events.Many of the workshops have to do with Reformation history and relevance, planning local Reformation observances as well as Lutheranism today.
This is an important component of the ELCA Reformation observance. Share the word of invitation with others!
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Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy Retreat is April 25-28 in Allenspark, CO
Whether you have two months or 20 years of sobriety, you will find inspiration, support, and guidance for your recovery journey. Fellowship, peer discussions, worship, and time for personal reflection are all a part of our time together.
Our theme for the retreat is: "What I cannot do alone, we can do together, with the help of God." During the retreat we will share about our experience and understanding of the steps, share about the unique combination of ministry and recovery that we have in common. More information
If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about the Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy contact Pastor Bohdan Vadis at 858-337-7353.
The Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy is always looking to carry the message of recovery to pastors who need help and support. Lutheran clergy struggling with any form of addiction are welcome in this fellowship.
4-part choir music available gratis
Risen Lord, Conifer, CO, has a large quantity of 4-part choir sheet music (much from GIA publishing) available to another church for gratis. 10 plastic boxes of music are available. Contact Pastor Rickman at 303 578-8070 to arrange delivery/pick up in Littleton, CO.
Ski Day for RMS Rostered Leaders:
Mar 10
An opportunities for winter fellowship on the slopes is offered for RMS Rostered Leaders. Thursday, March 10 at Winter Park. Contact Brian Bergum, pastorb@lordofthevalley.org if you are interested.
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IT'S HEALTH ASSESSMENT SEASON
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It's not about the money... it's about making positive, healthy change
Rostered Leaders (and applicable spouses): Time to take the annual health assessment!
Take the health assessments by logging into their My Portico accounts. Completion of the assessment earns you $150 in wellness dollars, with the opportunity to earn $250 more in follow up activities. Taking the assessment also helps the synod reach its 65% participation goal, saving your congregation 1% in health contributions. When you have taken the assessment, log it here. If applicable, have your spouse take it and log it, too!
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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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Monthly RMS Eucharist
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
Children, Youth and Family Minister
Evergreen Lutheran Church
Evergreen, Colorado
Director of Outreach and Project Development
Wartburg College West
Denver, Colorado
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CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
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Workshop for Council Members in North Colorado
Council Workshop is Saturday, April 9, at Faith in Eaton, CO, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be made available for approximately $10 a person. This is a great opportunity for Councils and pastors to share in the role of Council in congregational life. There's is much we can learn from one another. If you have more questions, you can contact Sarah Moening at smoening@rmselca.org.
Clergy Renewal: JS Bach - A Journey into Joy / A Fortress Found
Join others in ministry for our unique 'day retreat' format as we let the music of Johann Sebastian Bach open areas of music, beauty and renewal. Through his cantatas, we will explore that which seems to rob us of safety, joy and love. Through Bach's loves, humor and genius we will be guided by this mystical musician who gloried in the Word of God and mathematical marvels. Each participant will take home means and methods to expand personal areas of beauty, joy, genius, happiness and creativity all while keeping our feet on the firm foundation of our fortress. Ministers from all settings are welcome!
Dates: Friday, April 15, 2016 & Saturday, April 16, 2016
Time: Day 1, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Day 2 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Faculty: Schawn Kellogg, MDiv, RN, Kelby Cotton, MDiv
Lutheran Men In Mission Retreat is April 22-24
"One Year to Live" is an opportunity for men to explore the difference their Christian faith can make in their lives as they relate to families, people at work and others in the Christian community. The retreat is April 22-24 at Camp Santa Maria in Colorado. For brochures and registration: www.lutheranmeninmission.org/events/oytl. Questions, contact Randy McNitt 303-910-4008, email: RandyMcNitt@Comcast.net
Colorado Faith Leaders Media Training is March 17
Thursday, March 17, 2016 from 9:15 AM to 11:30 AM
Beloved Community / Columbine Unitarian Church
6724 S Webster Street
Littleton , CO 80128
As faith leaders, one way we can impact public debates on crucial issues like immigration and minimum wage is by speaking out prophetically and strategically in the news media. But to make sure our witness comes through loud and clear, it's important to know how to craft a compelling message, interact with reporters, and organize events that they want to cover.
That's why we're offering a MEDIA TRAINING with experts from our national partners at Faith in Public Life (FPL), based in Washington, DC on Thursday, March 17th, from 9:15 to 11:30 AM. FPL's trainers have worked with hundreds of clergy nationwide -- including Evangelical Immigration Table and Together Colorado--on a broad range of justice issues. Together, we'll explore the strategies, tactics and best practices behind effective messaging and media relations. Please make time to join us for this innovative, important workshop. There is no cost, but please RSVP using the link below.
Meet others interested in recovery ministry and share what's working....and what's not
Nadia Bolz-Weber, Dr. Matt Russell, Dale Ryan, Gregg Taylor, Scott McBean and others will lead us in challenging discussions focusing on the messiness of ministry, particularly in the field of recovery, with thought-provoking suggestions and challenges for change. Dates are July 18 to 22, 2016, in Colorado Springs, CO. This event is intended primarily for recovery ministry leaders and pastors who are working in the local church context. Our focus this year will be on practical strategies for sustainable ministry development. More information: http://www.nacr.org/summer-institute-of-recovery-studies-2016
22nd Annual Gallery of Living Art at First, Colorado Springs
 First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade celebrates the twenty-second year of the Gallery of Living Art. As the audience sits in the sanctuary, the story of Christ's Passion and Resurrection unfolds through live reproductions of thirteen sacred works of art staged by a 75 member cast, narrative scripture and music sung by First Lutheran choir. The art includes the well-known "Christ in Gethsemane" by Heinrich Hofmann, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo's "Pieta." The opening scene is a reproduction of three angels painted by Sharon Cartwright, artist and member of First Lutheran Church. The second scene is also by Sharon Cartwright called Beautiful Savior showing Mary holding the baby Jesus.
The 2016 Gallery of Living Art will be presented on Friday, March 11 at
7:30 pm, Saturday, March 12 at 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm and Sunday, March 13 at
3:00 pm in the sanctuary of First Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs. The
public is cordially invited to attend this inspirational presentation of Christ's Passion and Resurrection. Admission is free and childcare is provided. Contact persons: Joan Kuehn or Judy Wach at 632-8836
Pastor Matthew is featured in the "Men Can Cook" benefit dinner
 Saturday, March 12, 2016, at 6 p.m. is the Holy Love Lutheran Church-Aurora "Men Can Cook Too" dinner to Benefit Courtney Doell, a 16 year old heart transplant, recipient. While the surgery has gone well, she will be on heart rejection drugs the rest of her life. The copay for those drugs is $2500 per month, so they are trying to help offset some of those costs. Courtney's dad is a Denver Police Officer. Holy Love invites congregations to give special gifts as well. Among the entree selections, Chef Pastor Matthew will be serving his famous Boulder Vegan Pot Pie! Info and tickets: Phone: (303) 690-2428 or E-mail: wisconsinsouthwestern@gmail.com.
Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy Retreat
A retreat of the Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy will take place April 25-28, 2016, at the Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center. The agenda is a discussion of the Twelve Steps, fellowship, worship, and prayer. Cost depends on the housing arrangements. For information and registration, please contact Bohdan Vadis at 858-560-8688 or email: pastorvadis@sbcglobal.net
Iliff Innovation: Serving the Military
Thursday February 25, 2016 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM MST
Iliff School of Theology, Shattuck Hall
2323 East Iliff Avenue
Denver, CO 80210
Come and learn about this amazing place called Iliff - a place where students studying faith and social justice have been transformed since 1892. Join the Iliff community for an evening of learning about Iliff from students, staff, trustees and faculty members, Zachary Moon and Carrie Doerhing - highlighting Iliff's expanding programs for military chaplains and others serving the military, veterans and their families.
Click on RSVP and complete your response by February 19.
Issues of Race & Mass Incarceration
Criminal justice speakers available on May 15 for your congregation
One of New Beginnings' Partners in Ministry is Prison Congregations of America (PCA). Their next board meeting will be on May 15 in Denver. The board, that is quite fluent on the subject of Criminal Justice from a faith perspective, has offered themselves to area congregations that Sunday.
There are four ordained pastors, and one lay leader who also can do pulpit supply. Additionally, two lay leaders would be happy to lead an Adult Forum on Criminal Justice, the work of PCA, and how New Beginnings fits into that model in our synod. If you are interested in having one of these as a guest in your congregation on May 15c0j, please email Pastor Terry Schjang at
SOUTHEAST COLORADO CONFERENCE WOMEN'S GATHERING 2016
Saturday April 16, 2016 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Library 21c
1175 Chapel Hills Drive Colorado Springs, CO
Featuring Pastor Tim Bettger, Linda Slothower, the "Revelators"
Conference materials "The Return of the Prodigal Son: A story of Homecoming"
available for purchase for $5.00
e-mail ralphelen@gmail.com for copy or check out at your local library or book store.
Registration fee of $45 includes two meals.
Women ages 15-30 may attend free when accompanied by a registered guest!
Register by 4/1/16 on line here you could also email carolyngardner@live.com or mail to: Carolyn Gardner, 1055 Golden Street, Calhan, CO 80808
Urban Servant Corps Palm Sunday Prayer Walk
Palm Sunday Prayer Walk and Open House
Sunday, March 20 at 1pm
1660 Ogden St. Denver, CO 80218
 As Holy Week begins, you are invited to gather, learn, pray, and respond! Urban Servant Corps volunteers will lead walking tours around the neighborhood and placement sites where they serve to share more fully about the mission of Urban Servant Corps, a ministry of the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA. Please join us!
You are encouraged to ask for "pledges" from friends, family, co-workers for this walk and bring those contributions with you on Palm Sunday! This is an event designed to share about the ministry of Urban Servant Corps and to ask for support in working to fulfill its mission! We are grateful to have Bishop Gonia join us for this event!
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