Together, we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.
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June 3, 2025
published Tuesday of each week
| | Bishop Meghan's June Update | | Click below to access a four-page overview of the 2025 Synod Assembly, available for viewing, downloading, or printing to share with your ministry sites. | | Access 2025 Synod Assembly additional resources and provide assembly feedback below. | | |
We invite all congregations, ministries and organizations to share your Pride-related events, worship services, and celebrations with us so we can help spread the word and uplift the work you’re doing. Our goal, as much as possible, is to have synod representatives present with you for these events. We look forward to continuing to show up with love, joy, and solidarity—this month and always.
Please email Deacon Mary at mstoneback@rmselca.org with your events for inclusion in the webpage.
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Dios está aquí. God is here.
¡Siempre!
There’s a holy rhythm to shipboard life: waking, working, eating, resting— repeating. In that rhythm, I see how God meets us not just in the “recruitment worth” events like helicopter operations on the flight deck and firefighting drills, but in routine faithfulness. Whether I’m leading worship in a cramped room or of- fering a listening ear on the deck plates, I know God is present—guiding, sustaining, and comforting.
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God’s love is not limited by distance or duty. Even in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by steel and saltwater, God’s presence is real, reminding meand others that we are never alone.
I remember one evening after a long day of drills, a sailor quietly asked for prayer. There was no crisis, just a de- sire for peace and strength. In that mo- ment, I was reminded how God meets us not only in dramatic rescues or spir- itual highs, but in our daily need for hope and connection. I’ve seen God in the resilience of tired sailors, in the laughter shared over coffee, and in the silent prayers whispered throughout the day. These moments, woven together, tell a story of a God who is ever-present, ever-loving, and always at work—right here, whether that be in this assembly or in the middle of the ocean.
Kelsey Fauser
She/her/hers
Navy Chaplain, Pearl Harbor, HI
Learn More about Federal Chaplain Ministries in the ELCA
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2025 Theological Conference—Mark Your Calendars
September 29 – October 2
First Lutheran Church, Co. Springs, CO.
You are invited to gather with fellow rostered leaders (active/retired/in between calls) for a time of theological reflection, renewal, and connection in the beautiful setting of Colorado Springs. This year’s Theological Conference will take place September 29 to October 2 at the Peel House and First Lutheran Church. More details will be shared in the next month.
Learn More
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Service of Holy Closure
St. Andrew Lutheran Church | Arvada, CO.
Sunday, June 8, 10:30am
This Sunday, June 8, we join with the community of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in thanksgiving for their 66 years of ministry and witness in Arvada.
Join us Sunday at 10:30am in person or via ZOOM for this service of Holy Closure. Clergy are invited to vest or wear a stole and participate in the processional and recessional. Light refreshments will be served following the service.
ZOOM Link
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Lutheran Men in Mission—Latest Newsletter
Our vision is for all men to become bold and daring followers of Jesus Christ.
What’s Your (Father’s Day) Story?
by Vic Williams
Come to think of it, every day is Father's Day, isn't it? Sure, we could say the same for Mother’s Day, but I’m trying to stay focused for a change. Coming up fast is June 15, the third Sunday of the month, the last week of spring, and the 24-hour period when the “old man” gets his place in the sun—or on the patio, behind the barbecue, on the golf course, in the baseball stands, whatever.
Read More
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Peter Mayer in Concert
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church | Littleton, CO.
Friday, June 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Minnesota's Peter Mayer has been singing and songwriting full-time for over 20 years, performing in venues across the United States and beyond. He writes songs for a small planet--songs that celebrate life on earth and the mysterious and wondrous fact of our existence--songs about the vast cosmos that surrounds us and how we are a part of it all.
Learn More
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Retreat in a Box
Feeling Called to Ministry?
Do you or someone you know feel drawn to life as a Pastor, Deacon, or church worker? The ELCA offers free resources to help explore this call:
Retreat in a Box
Experience a guided discernment retreat from the comfort of your home. With devotional tools, reflection prompts, and meaningful items, this self-paced resource helps you explore your sense of vocation. Created by Bethany Lutheran Church and supported by the ELCA Fund for Leaders, it’s a free gift to support your journey. Request yours here:
👉 Retreat in a Box
Discernment Groups
Join a small group led by a trained spiritual director to reflect on your call through story-sharing, Scripture, and prayer. Sign up at:
👉 www.elcaseminaries.org
Questions?
Contact Pastor DanaLee Simon at sagehillwisdom@gmail.com for guidance or more info.
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Gratitude for Mandy Achterberg and Will Johnson’s Service to Our Synod We give thanks for the faithful ministry of Mandy Achterberg and Will Johnson, who have stepped down from their roles as Transition Coaches. Will also served as the Temporary Bridge Transitions Coordinator during this time of change.
In these roles, Mandy and Will have walked alongside congregations, guiding them through seasons of transition, helping them listen for God’s voice, and equipping them for faithful discernment and ministry.
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With wisdom and care, they have strengthened our synod’s ministry and offered a steady, hopeful presence in times of uncertainty.
Mandy and Will’s work has woven their lives with ours in ways that will continue to shape our synod’s faithfulness and mission. We are grateful for their leadership, collaboration, and the many ways they have supported both our congregations and our RMS Transition Ministry team.
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A group of 11 youth and 2 adults from two ELCA congregations in Wisconsin will be traveling to Denver for a YouthWorks Mission Trip from July 13–18. They are seeking donations of:
- 13 twin-size air mattresses
- 13 blankets or sleeping bags
- 13 pillows.
The group is willing to drive to pick up the items. Additionally, they are looking for a congregation to worship with on Sunday, July 13, before the mission trip begins that afternoon.
If your congregation can assist, please contact Pastor Bethany at frclcpastor@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!
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Pastor Todd Bertani
Shepherd of the Mountains
Estes Park, Colorado
We celebrate with Pastor Todd Bertani and the faith community of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church in Estes Park at the new of his Installation Sunday June 1.
"What a God filled day! Thank you’s all around: Bishop Meghan, all the pastors, the folks from Trinity, my old friends from St. Mark’s, to include Dan and Fay Disano who surprised us by coming, and Shepherd of the Mountain’s folks who made the day so spectacular. To my wife who arranged for my kids Tyler Bertani and Dylan Bertani to be there on Zoom. In addition, she coordinated with Tyler to sing the song, “You Say” by Lauren Diagle. It was recorded then played at the end of the service. It was a total surprise and I was blown away!" ~Pastor Todd Bertani
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Sunday June 29, 4pm: Deacon Anna Dykeman will be installed Sunday June 29, 4pm at Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The color of the day is red..
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Pastor Mike Lemke
Cross of Glory Lutheran Church
Denver, Colorado
With heartfelt gratitude, we celebrate the retirement of Pastor Mike Lemke on Sunday June 1, who has faithfully served the Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado for the past 20 years.
+God bless you Pastor Mike!
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| | We pray for the congregations, ministries, and leaders of the Southeast Conference | |
In Loving Memory
Rev. Warren Salveson, rostered in 2E, passed away on May 9, 2025. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Read More
| | | 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. | | | | |
