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Together, we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.



June 11, 2025

generally published Tuesday of each week


Pride Weekend Kick-off Film Screening–June 27

Presented by the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA, in partnership with

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Denver, Co.


You're Invited to:

Mama Bears Film Screening & Community Gathering


Join the Rocky Mountain Synod, in partnership with St. Paul's Lutheran Church, for an evening of connection, reflection, and meaningful conversation as we gather to watch the powerful documentary Mama Bears. This event lifts up the stories of Christian mothers who advocate for their LGBTQ+ children with deep courage and fierce love.


Date: Friday, June 27, 5:30pm–8:30pm

Location: Rocky Mountain Public Media Center (KUVO FM)

Address: 2101 Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO

Cost: $35 per person

There are 120 seats available (If we reach the 120-person limit, we may explore offering a second showing—but only if the Friday event sells out)

Registration Deadline: Thursday June 19

get to know your synod ministers

Pr Barbara Berry–Bailey

Synod Minister for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

synod pride guide

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.

stories around the synod

Dios está aquí. God is here.

¡Siempre!


Every day as I walk into the church, I can’t help but notice how God’s presence continues to show up day in and day out in abundance at our Little Free Pantry. These recycled old newspaper metal boxes rarely go empty. This ministry that began a few years ago with just a couple of peoples vision, continues to encourage and inspire those who visit it. We give thanks from the generous neighbors living around the church who drop things off, others in the greater community who randomly drive by to add to it, to St. Paul’s members who faithfully volunteer to keep it stocked, and for those whom we have come to know by name that benefit from this act of love and service.


God’s presence is truly abundant every day in and round these three metal boxes.


Pastor Andrea Kragerud

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Cheyenne, Wyoming

holy closure blessing

On Sunday, June 8, the community of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Arvada, Colorado gathered for a sacred closing service, marking the end of their time as a worshiping congregation. While the building no longer holds weekly services, the Spirit continues to move through the faithful people of St. Andrew. The Rocky Mountain Synod remains in prayer and accompaniment with them, trusting that the ministry of Christ lives on in new and meaningful ways through their lives.


"We did it with faith and grace.

A tender goodbye. A sacred closing.

Grateful for every step that brought us here.

We cried. We laughed. We remembered.

And we carried the light forward into what comes next.

Yesterday, we closed the doors of St. Andrew,

but opened our hearts to a new beginning.

Thank you for 66 years of spirit, service, and love.

May the legacy live on in every soul we touch."


synod happenings

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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Creation Care Team

Zoom Discussion on green burial


On Saturday, July 12, the Creation Care team is hosting a discussion on green burial at 10am on Zoom.


Learn More about the Creation Care Team

Exploring Why People Leave the Church: A Doctor of Ministry Project Presentation


Pr. Alena Lamirato invites all to attend a presentation of her Doctor of Ministry project, titled "An Examination of Those Done with the Church in Elbert County Using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs." This project explores the reasons individuals disengage from church life, using the framework of Maslow’s well-known psychological theory.




Presentation Details:


📍 Castle Rock Library – 100 Wilcox St., Castle Rock

🗓️ Saturday, July 13

🕑 2:00 PM


In addition, Pr. Alena will be sharing highlights from the project at a Lunch and Learn during the Metro East Gathering:


📍 Epiphany Lutheran Church – 790 S. Corona St., Denver

🗓️ Tuesday, June 17

🕦 11:30 AM


Whether you're a church leader, congregant, or simply curious about the shifting dynamics of church engagement in our communities, Pr. Alena invites you to join the conversation.


Pr. Alena Lamirato

Peace in Christ Episcopal-Lutheran Ministry

Elizabeth, CO

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

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

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.

can you help?

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!

Installations

Upcoming Installations

  • 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..

in our prayers

We pray for the congregations, ministries, and leaders of the Southeast Conference

employment 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.

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eConnection Questions


Contact Deacon Mary Stoneback

Synod Minister for Strategic Communications & Events


Rocky Mountain Synod

303.777.6700

rmselca.org