Together, we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.
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August 12, 2025
generally published Tuesday of each week
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Hello Fellow Readers,
This week's econnection highlights exciting updates in the life of the Rocky Mountain Synod and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, including:
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THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE
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Fall Theological Conference - Register by September 22
OFFICE OF THE BISHOP UPDATES
- Staff Liaisons to Synod Committees
CONGREGATION HIGHLIGHT
- (1'30" Video) Welcome to Well of Hope in Castle Rock, Colorado
ADVOCACY
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Gathering At the Gate - Register by September 1
CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES
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(2' Video) Excellence in Leadership Cohort - Register by September 15
PORTICO UPDATES
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Upcoming Portico Zoom Sessions—2026 ELCA Primary Health Plan info for rostered and congregational leaders
WYOMING YOUTH REFLECTIONS
- (3' Video) Quinn and Emmie from Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Casper, WY.
INSTALLATIONS
- Pastor Dana O'Brien (coming up Aug. 24)
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Pastor Lisa Rygiel Reflection
IN OUR PRAYERS
EMPLOYMENT/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES (New Listings!)
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Click [HERE] for a complete list of upcoming events happening across the Rocky Mountain Synod.
We'd love to hear about your upcoming events. Please submit them through the website [HERE]. If you’ve already submitted something and don’t see it listed, please email Synod Minister, Deacon Mary Stoneback at mstoneback@rmselca.org.
| | Event Date: Monday September 29–Thursday October 2, 2025 | | Introducing Keynote Speaker, Dr. Michael Chan | | |
Dr. Michael Chan serves as Vice President for Mission and Inclusion at Concordia College in Moorehead, MN. He joined the Concordia College community in June 2022 as the executive director for faith and learning. Prior to that, he was associate professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Dr. Chan looks forward to guiding conference participants in an exploration of how the story endings in the Bible illuminate the promise of something new.
Click the button below to learn more about:
- Conference Cost & Registration Deadline
- Discounted Lodging Options
- Conference Schedule
We invite all Rostered Ministers—Pastors & Deacons, as well as SAMs (Synodically Authorized Ministers, TEEM Candidates (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) and Ministry Interns to join in for this meaningful gathering.
| | OFFICE OF THE BISHOP UPDATES | | Staff Liaisons to Synod Committees | | |
The synod staff are committed partners in supporting the ministries already at work across our synod—walking together, listening deeply, and providing the care, resources, and encouragement you need to thrive. From guiding candidacy and leadership development to stewarding finances and fostering youth & young‑adult engagement, we are committed to accompanying the ministries happening in the Rocky Mountain Synod.
Click the button below to see a list of current committees in place and the appointed synod staff liaison. As you will see, this list is an ongoing effort. If you notice a ministry or committee not listed—or simply have questions—please reach out. Your voice matters in helping us ensure that every ministry is seen, supported, and equipped.
Together, through partnership, presence and prayer, we strengthen our shared journey in mission, leadership, and faith in Christ for the life of the world.
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Today, we joyfully recognize Well of Hope Lutheran Church in Castle Rock—officially welcomed as an organized congregation of the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA! This milestone was celebrated during a special commissioning service on July 13.
From its beginnings in 2007 as a second worship site of Abiding Hope, Well of Hope has grown in faith, community, and inclusivity. Today, as they are fully established in the family of faith and we give thanks for their journey and look forward with hope for all God will continue to do through their congregation for the life of the community
Watch the moment come alive in this video—the joy, the prayers, and the promise of all that’s to come. Join us in praying for Well of Hope’s ongoing ministry, witness, and welcome in Castle Rock and beyond.
Shout out to High School Youth, Ethan Aelabouni for helping capture video B-Roll!
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Gathering at the Gate is an opportunity Sept. 16-17, 2025 for ELCA leaders, rostered and lay, to demand God's justice, grace and mercy from our elected leaders in Washington D.C. for our neighbors who are hungry, sick, and poor. We will engage in advocacy learning from the ELCA Advocacy Office, meet with our members of Congress, and participate in the Empty Plates, Empty Promises action on Sept. 17, in the Upper Senate Park where we will stand in solidarity together with all people who need food, housing, healthcare and ethical immigration policy.
| | CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES | | Excellence in Leadership Cohort | | |
Join us as we launch a new cohort for Excellence in Leadership this September. Open to individuals and congregational groups alike, it is meant for all who seek to become more healthy, courageous, resilient, and faithful leaders in their lives and in their contexts.
If cost is a consideration, a limited number of partial scholarships is available. Register [HERE] today!
More information about the cohort can be found on the website [HERE]
Any questions can be directed to eil@rmselca.org
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ELCA‑Primary Health Plan Options for 2026 – Region 2 Zoom Meetings
All ELCA‑Primary plans are changing effective January 1, 2026. Join one of two live Zoom sessions for Rostered Ministers, Lay Staff and Congregational Leaders to:
- Learn how the updated plans work
- Review decision-making tools
- Understand what each option means for you
Session 1 – Rostered Ministers & Lay Staff (on ELCA‑Primary):
Aug 27, 2025 • 12:00 PM PT / 1:00 PM MT (not recorded; registration required)
Register Here
Session 2 – Congregational Leaders:
Aug 27, 2025 • 5:30 PM PT / 6:30 PM MT (not recorded; registration required)
Register Here
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with Zoom access details.
Questions?
Contact Andrea Arey
Portico Benefit Services
AArey@porticobenefits.org
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| WYOMING YOUTH REFLECTIONS | | |
The Wyoming Conference sponsored the 1st Annual Wyoming Youth Gathering June 26-28 in Casper, Wyoming. The group was comprised of youth, middle school through high school from six congregations across Wyoming.
In this video, Quinn and Emmie—youth from Our Savior's Lutheran, Casper, Wyoming—share what was most fun and meaningful to them about the gathering.
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Coming Up
On August 24, 2pm Pastor Dana O'Brien will be installed at Glory of God in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Color of the day is green. All are welcome!
| | | A Day of Joy and Hope at Zion’s Lutheran | | On Aug. 10, Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni ordained and installed Rev. Lisa Rygiel as pastor of Zion’s Lutheran Church. After three years serving as vicar, Rev. Rygiel looks forward to continuing her ministry with the congregation and shares reflections on this milestone day. | | |
The highlight of my ordination and installation at Zion’s Lutheran Church was, without a doubt, the music. Our regular organist, Connie Pallone, and pianist, Mark Nelson, were joined by local Trinidadian musicians Jeff and Sami Montoya on guitar and violin. Their talent, along with the beautiful voices of Becky McNeil, Sharon Sorenson, Cheryl Leef, Cristy Street, Jim Schatzman (my father), Dewayne Harris, and John Rygiel (my husband), filled the sanctuary with the Offertory Hymn Many Gifts, One Spirit. It was so moving, I had to hold back tears.
Now that school is behind me, I’m eager to dive more fully into the life of our congregation—starting new Bible studies, a walking club, book club, movie nights, and other opportunities for connection beyond Sunday mornings. My hope is to welcome more people into our community during the week, building relationships and strengthening our bonds.
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In my pastoral journey, I am committed to expanding my circle of pastoral colleagues. I’m grateful for the First Call Accompaniment and Thriving Leadership gatherings led by Rev. Pr. Diana Linden-Johnson, where I can share, learn, and grow alongside others in similar stages of ministry.
Looking back on this day, two words come to mind: joy and hope. Zion’s has walked through significant change in recent years—mourning the loss of Pastor Andrea Doeden, navigating transition, embracing our Reconciling in Christ journey, and evolving as a community. Yet what I saw on Sunday was joy on every face and hope for what lies ahead.
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We are strong, resilient, and ready to keep growing in God’s kin-dom.
~Rev. Lisa Rygiel
| | | We pray for the congregations, ministries, and leaders of the Northern Colorado Conference. | | EMPLOYMENT/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES | | Note: The Jobs in Congregations web page has been updated to reflect the most current employment opportunities in the Synod. Each position will be posted on the Synod website for at least two months unless otherwise noted. If your employment opportunity has been filled, please send an email to advise Dn Mary Stoneback so your ad can be removed. | | OFFICE OF THE BISHOP STAFF | |
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Rev. Barbara Berry-Bailey (she/her), Synod Minister for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, bberry-bailey@rmselca.org
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Rev. Quirino Cornejo (he/him), Director for Evangelical Mission-South & Synod Minister for Multicultural Witness, qcornejo@rmselca.org
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Rev. Chris Davis (he/him), Director for Evangelical Mission-North and Synod Minister for Generosity, cdavis@rmselca.org
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Jon Johnson (he/him), Synod Minister for Finance and Human Resources, finance@rmselca.org
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Rev. Diana Linden-Johnson, Synod Minister for Rostered Ministry, dlinden-johnson@rmselca.org
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Kurt Rager, Synod Minister for Advocacy, New Mexico, krager@rmselca.org
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Deacon Mary Stoneback (she/her), Synod Minister for Strategic Communications and Events, mstoneback@rmselca.org
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Yvonne Wilken (she/her), Synod Minister for Adminstration, office@rmselca.org
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Pastor Sara Wirth (she/her), Synod Minister for Transitions and Healthy Ministries, swirth@rmselca.org
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