Holy Week - We begin in the dark

As you prepare to begin the celebration of the three days, may you know God's presence wherever you find yourself. In the holy darkness or the painful light or the dull ordinary, may you experience God's powerful love in some new and profound way -- Holy Week Blessings

Click on the image of the women at the tomb to view Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's Easter message.

Dear Rocky Mountain Synod community,

Many of you know that the Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop has been victimized by significant mail theft over the past 18+ months. The result has been that many of our congregations have become victims of check theft. We want to provide an update on the situation and a renewed call to sign up for our ACH Direct Deposit system.

Since the last major update we provided in November, three major things have occurred:

·       Congregational enrollment in our ACH Direct Deposit system has continued to increase. Right now, 112 congregations are enrolled in this system, which allows for safe, secure, and fast transfers of mission support funds and more. Thank you so much to all those who’ve signed up! We highly encourage every RMS congregation to sign up for this system.

·       Some congregations are still discovering that checks they mailed to us (including checks from many months ago) were stolen and fraudulently deposited. We strongly encourage congregations to do two things: one, please check your mission support statements and reconcile them with your bank deposits. This is how you will discover if you have been the victim of mail theft. And two, do not send any paper checks in the mail to our office. This includes your bank’s bill pay service, which is not the same as ACH. Enrolling in ACH Direct Deposit is the only safe, secure way to transfer funds to our accounts

·       The USPS Office of the Inspector General has concluded their part of the investigation and moved it to a higher level. We have been informed that this indicates that the theft is likely being perpetrated by thieves connected to organized crime, targeting organizations like ours that used to receive many paper checks in the mail. We continue to receive periodic updates from the investigative team, but they are not allowed to share many details with us. 

If you haven’t already, please take the time to enroll in the ACH Direct Deposit system by clicking the link below. To report missing contributions or if you have any questions, please contact Jon Johnson, Finance Director at [email protected] 

ACH - more information and instructions

Enroll in RMS ACH Direct Deposit NOW!

Thank you for your patience and partnership as we’ve responded to this issue.

"Synod - On Our Way, Together"

April 25, 2:00 p.m. - April 27, noon Embassy Suites, Loveland

Registration and hotel reservations are now closed for Synod Assembly. Thank you to the 454 individuals who registered!

Please plan to arrive and check-in by 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 -- voters must be checked-in by 2:00 p.m. to participate in the first ballot. A schedule will be published in the Participant Handbook.

Participant Handbooks will be emailed to all participants by April 5th.

RMS Budget information and pre-Assembly meeting dates:

• The RMS 2024 Budget document is available HERE
• The RMS 2023 Report of Congregational Mission Support is available HERE
• 2023 Actuals and other financial documents coming-soon. All financial reports will be included in the Participant Handbook.

Pre-Assembly Financial Meetings will be offered via ZOOM on Thursday, April 11 at noon and 6:00 p.m. presented by the RMS Treasurer, Susan Sharkey. To join the meetings click HERE

To Dial-in the meeting info is: Dial-in: +17207072699 +17193594580 Meeting ID: 371 853 1913 Passcode: Lutheran

During Assembly, we will offer a hearing on the Draft of a Social Statement on Civic Life and Faith. In preparation for the hearing, the document is available HERE

Voting Information: This year's Assembly will include important elections in addition to the election of a new bishop. The elections include Synod Council members, committee members, and voting members for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly. Below is information about the open positions. The deadline for submission of the nomination forms for these positions is Friday, April 12.

The Synod Council includes the 4 officers of the synod and 17 other members elected by the Synod Assembly; Synod Council members shall be voting members of an RMS congregation. The 17 members, other than the officers, are designated as 1 per conference (either lay or rostered leader) plus 7 at-large positions with 1 each for lay male, lay female, rostered leader, youth (under the age of 18), young adult (18-30 years of age), and 2 people of color and/or whose primary language is other than English; terms are 4 years except for the youth member who is elected in even numbered years for 2 years; terms are limited to 2 consecutive terms and begin on August 15. Officers’ terms begin on August 1.

There are 10 positions on the Synod Council to be filled by the 2024 Synod Assembly:

• Secretary 
• Metro South Conference representative
• Boulder/Broomfield Conference representative
• Southeast Colorado Conference representative
• Border Conference representative
• Wyoming Conference representative
• Youth (under the age of 18)
• Young Adult (18-30 years of age)
• At-Large Rostered Leader
• One Person of color or whose primary language is other than English

Nominate someone or yourself for Synod Council HERE

Committee positions to be filled

The Discipline Committee consists of 12 persons, of whom 6 are rostered leaders and 6 are lay leaders elected for a term of 6 years without consecutive reelection. The functions of the Committee on Discipline are set forth in Chapter 20 of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Synod Council shall fill vacancies on the Committee on Discipline for any unexpired term.

Positions to be filled:

• One lay leader
• Three rostered leaders

The Mission Outreach Committee is responsible for promoting, extending and coordinating the mission outreach activity of the synod, both on its own territory and throughout the world. To accomplish this end, the Mission Outreach Committee will relate to the appropriate Churchwide unit. Members serve 4 year terms.

Position to be filled:

• One lay or rostered leader

The Congregational Ministries Committee, recognizing that the church is always being reformed, gives ear to the Holy Spirit to determine ways to invite and equip congregations to effectively and creatively participate in God’s mission in their diverse contexts. The Congregational Ministries Committee will relate to the Synod Council and collaborate with other synod ministries as well as churchwide ministries as appropriate. The Congregational Ministries Committee has at least 6 members either elected by the Synod Assembly or appointed by the Synod Council for 4-year terms (ideally staggered among the members). Attention will be given to inviting a diversity of perspective and gifts.

Positions to be filled:

• Three lay or rostered leaders

The Global Church Network promotes and supports connection between Rocky Mountain Synod ministries and individuals and the global church through communication, education, and immersion opportunities. The Network is composed of 6 voting members: 3 members who are appointed by the Synod Council for a term of four years with the possibility of one consecutive reelection, and 3 at-large members who are elected by the Synod Assembly for a four-year term with the possibility of reelection.

Position to be filled:

• One lay or rostered leader

Nominate someone or yourself for a committee position HERE

2025 Churchwide Assembly Voting Members will represent the Rocky Mountain Synod at the triennial Churchwide Assembly, which is scheduled to be held July 28-August 2, 2025, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The Rocky Mountain Synod has been allocated ten voting members plus two additional voting members.

CWA Voting Members to be elected (twelve total, reflecting the representational principles of the ELCA):

• Six lay leaders including youth (under the age of 18) or young adult (18-30 years of age): One spot is designated for the RMS Vice-President and One spot is designated for a youth or young adult with 4 additional spots.
• Four rostered leaders including the RMS bishop:  One spot is designated for the RMS bishop with 3 additional spots.                
• One additional person of color or person whose primary language is other than English
• One additional youth or youth adult

Nominate someone or yourself to be a 2025 Churchwide Assembly Voting Member HERE

Does your congregation or ministry have tablets or iPads that you'd be willing to share for Assembly? If so, please call 303.777.6700 or email HERE -- Thank you!

Questions? or If you'd like to volunteer to help with Assembly email HERE -- Thank you!!

Update from the Bishop Election Committee

There are seven Ministers of Word and Sacrament who have indicated their openness to the call to be Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod. Those who are voting members at the upcoming Synod Assembly are encouraged to read their biographical forms HERE and pray for all those who have submitted them. Please note that the biographical forms will be removed from the website prior to the Assembly.

The first ballot at the Assembly is an Ecclesiastical Ballot, meaning that anyone who has submitted a biography must still be nominated on that ballot in order to be considered. Other Word & Sacrament Ministers in the ELCA who have not submitted a biography may also be nominated on the first ballot, so voting members are not limited to the names listed on this page. (Please see the “timeline” on the Bishop Election Information tab for more information regarding the process.)

The Bishop Election Committee joins the entire synod in praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in this process, and thanks all those who have discerned, and are still discerning, their openness to this call.

Pre-Assembly Workshop, "Prepare your Church for When Disaster Strikes" a FREE Workshop presented by RMS Disaster Response Team

Thursday, April 25

Workshop 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Snacks and Conversation 9:30-10:00 a.m.

Zion Lutheran Church, 815 E. 16th St., Loveland, CO

WHY CHURCH?

Are you using, "Why Church?" If so, please let the team know by sending an email HERE and simply say "we're using Why Church." Thanks so much!"

Companion Synod Visit 2024

The Rocky Mountain Synod will be hosting the presidents from our four companion synods in Madagascar September 28-October 6, 2024!

Our hope is to introduce the presidents to different areas and ministries of the synod as they make their way from El Paso, TX to Denver, CO for the installation of our new bishop on Saturday, October 5, 2024. If you would like to be part of a planning team for the visit, please contact Terry Cole, Companion Synod rep on the Global Church Network, at [email protected]. And if your ministry is in El Paso, TX, northern New Mexico, Durango, CO, Price, UT, the Salt Lake City area, Laramie or Cheyenne, WY and the Denver Metro area and you are interested in meeting and providing hospitability for our guests, please contact Terry, as well!

El Pueblito is hosting a 3-day core Godly Play training! 

June 21 10:30 am - June 23 4:00 pm

Godly Play is a Montessori-based approach to children's religious education. The experience of a Godly Play training is one of a spiritual retreat. The setting - Taos, and El Pueblito - are stunning, and you'll enjoy the beauty of nature while learning this unique Montessori-based approach to children's religious education. Trainer Sharolyn Browning is outstanding. 

Training spaces are limited (limit of 12 unless an additional trainer is added). Thanks to a generous Bishop's Award grant from the New Mexico Conference of the United Methodist Church, we are able to offer a scholarship rate to all participants if you register by May 15. 

REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.elpueblitoumc.org/events/godly-play-training

Information also availble soon on the Godly Play Foundation website:

https://www.godlyplayfoundation.org/events/trainings

Heart for the Arts Gala

April 13, 5:30-9:00 PM

Augustana L.C., Denver

Do you believe that all children and adults around Denver should have access to high-quality, accessible musical programming?

Join Augustana Arts at the Heart for the Arts fundraising event where proceeds will go directly to support concerts and music education programs in our community. Guests will enjoy activities, a silent auction, pop-up performances, great food and drinks, and a live auction and appeal. It is going to be a fun night to support a great cause. Come and party with a purpose!

For additional information: https://event.auctria.com/08dff298-416b-4420-b8cd-e68d8b0b564c/

2024 Pub Theology Young Adult Retreat

May 10-12, 2024

Have you ever wondered what comes next? What you’re supposed to be doing? This has always been a common question for young adults. Join in for a meaningful weekend of exploring how our Christian faith might provide us with new tools for this age-old struggle. You're welcomed to join a community of young adults exploring similar thoughts as we collectively discern God's intentions in our lives. Through Bible study, creative worship, art projects, yoga, personality tests, high ropes adventures, and time in God’s beautiful creation we will support each other through the questions we all carry.

Who? You! We loosely define young adult as ages 21-40. Join in!

When? May 10-12, 2024

Where? Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp ELCA Ruth Retreat Lodge

How much? $100

Will there be free time? Yes! There will be plenty of time for hiking, meditation, games, coloring, crafts and much more. This retreat is designed to be "choose as you go" and is flexible to meet your needs for community and solo time.

Connect with Colleen at [email protected] with questions. Scholarships available!

Rejoicing Spirits Worship Service 

First Sunday of each month 10:30-11:30 a.m. 

Rejoicing Spirits is an inclusive worship space for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities, their caregivers, families and anyone who seeks an open, joyful and creative worship experience. Join "Rejoicing Spirits" the first Sunday each month at St. Philip Lutheran Church,

7531 S Kendall Blvd, Littleton, CO 80128 from 10:30-11:30am.

We will unite in activities, singing, laughing and loving God. 

Please RSVP to Deacon Korra Looschen at [email protected]

Augustana, Denver hosts regional church music workshop Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver is hosting a “Hearts, Hands, and Voices” regional workshop for church musicians to gain ideas and expertise while networking with others. Workshop sessions will be offered on hymn playing on the organ, anatomy of the singing voice, leading choral rehearsals, handbells in worship, and more. The workshop is sponsored by the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. 

The workshop begins with registration at 9 a.m. and concludes at 2:45 p.m. Cost is $45, fulltime students $20. Lunch is included. Deadline to register is April 16. More information and registration is at https://alcm.org/event/denver-co/

Contact Andy Peters for additional information: [email protected]

Web address: https://alcm.org/event/denver-co/

Harpsichord Showcase: Bach and Beyond

April 19, 2024 7:00 PM

Have you ever heard four harpsichords performing together all at once? Join us on April 19th at 7PM for an incredible program in partnership with the American Guild of Organists. This program will include J.S. Bach's concerto for four harpsichords and a variety of other works by Bach, Couperin, Mozart, and Soler for harpsichords, organ, and strings. Musicians will also be performing an original composition for four harpsichords by lead harpsichordist Jeremiah Otto. An informal harpsichord walk-and-talk and a reception will follow the concert.

For additional information: https://www.augustanaarts.org/events/a-harpsichord-showcase-bach-and-beyond

Read the March ELCA Mission Memo HERE

Learn about a Ministry Lab

Caffeinated Church Conference September 9-12, 2024

Denver, CO

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Church Administrators
• Communication Directors
• Pastors/Clergy & Lay Ministry Leaders
• Volunteers involved in church management

We are excited to announce an in-person conference, September 9-12, 2024! Early Bird Registration is $250 (through April 30!) and no membership to Caffeinated Church is required to attend. And if you are a church with an Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) of less than 100, you will receive 50% off your registration. We are excited to gather together

Nominate a Student for LSM

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is a residential academy for high school musicians. Students study with nationally recognized faculty, and are immersed in musical experiences through large ensembles (Choir, Band and Symphony Orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, elective classes, ongoing recitals and concerts. Students also experience a welcoming and joyful community that worships together daily, offering musical gifts through Lutheran liturgy and hymnody. LSM 2024 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 30-July 28 and is open to students who have completed grades 8-12. Spots for LSM 2024 are filling fast! Nominate a student today at  LSMacademy.org/nominate.  

2023 Tax Preparation Resources Available

Two helpful tax guides are now available for church personnel. Portico provides rostered ministers and congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program with access to no-cost tax guides: 

o   The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar gives special attention to tax-related topics most relevant to ministers.

o   Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.

Both tax guides are available on myPortico and EmployerLink.

Harness the Power of Rest

Just as every Sunday is a “little Easter,” every night offers a chance to take a “little sabbath” and restore your body through healing rest. If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling like you’re getting a good night’s sleep, Portico members with ELCA-Primary health coverage have a wealth of resources to help. Since March is National Sleep Awareness month, why not check out Learn to Live’s course on insomnia (use the access PORTICO to register), or the Being Academy’s course on sleep. 

Creative Ways to Care for your Body

Looking for fresh inspiration of ways to care for your body – through movement, nutrition, or meditation? Burnalong’s daily calendar links to a different short online course each day. March features fun recipes and kitchen tips, just in time for National Nutrition Month.