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

July 30, 2025

generally published Tuesday of each week

NEWSLETTER OVERVIEW

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:

ELCA CHURCHWIDE + THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE

Follow Our Voting Members' CWA Journey

Join Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA Voting Member, Celia Davis as she chats with fellow participants from all across the world about what they’re excited to experience—and shares a bit about their lives, faith and hopes for the future.

Celia turned sweet 16 Tuesday July 29! Celebrate her special week alongside her journey at the Assembly.

Shout out to Pastor Chris Davis, Director for Evangelical Mission-North and Synod Minister for Generosity for capturing these sweet interviews—introducing us to followers of Christ from all across the world!

Join Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA Voting Member, Emmy Baylis as she reflects on her experience at Churchwide. She's especially enjoying the chance to learn more about Lutheran Colleges.

Shout out to Pastor Carrie Baylis of First Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs for capturing Emmy's highlights at Assembly!

Fall Theological Conference

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

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), Ministry Interns & Lay Ministry Leads to join in for this meaningful gathering.

Questions? Contact Deacon Mary Stoneback

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP UPDATES

Photo caption: Synod Staff literally bearing with one another in love—thanks to Bethany's oversized bears—embracing humility, patience, and care together.

Synod Staff Retreat Recap

Relate + Connect + Support + Equip

Thank you all for your prayers while the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA Bishop’s Office Synod Staff gathered in retreat this week at Bethany Lutheran Church in Denver. During our time together, we engaged in prayerful reflection and conversations on how we relate to, support, connect with, and equip one another—and the wider synod—to share the Good News of life in Christ while serving God and neighbor together.

We are honored to serve alongside you in the Rocky Mountain Synod, united in Christ and committed to meaningful relationships with you and your ministries. Whether in person, online, or through other platforms, we are here to listen, pray, and support—with encouragement, resources, and discernment.

Our goal is to foster connection within the synod—sharing stories, joys, and challenges across congregational and geographic boundaries. Our work is to equip and empower you to actively witness Christ’s love and grace, through all seasons.

+Much more to come,

Your Rocky Mountain Synod Staff

Bethany Lutheran Church Highlights

While the Rocky Mountain Synod staff gathered for a retreat at Bethany Lutheran Church in Denver, Deacon Mary—Synod Minister for Strategic Communications & Events—met with a few staff members. Click the video below to learn more about what's happening at Bethany and how faith is being nurtured and shared.

Pastor Nate Preisinger shares the story behind the “Together 4 Good” podcast—how it launched at Bethany Lutheran Church, the spiritual insights he’s gained over time, and his hopes for the podcast’s future and how it can be a part of the Rocky Mountain Synod's ministry & outreach.

2026 synod assembly date + location

**Save the Date! The 2026 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly will take place April 23–25 in Denver, Colorado, hosted by Bethany Lutheran Church.**

Plans are also coming together for a Pre‑Assembly Gathering, scheduled for April 21–23, 2026—more details coming soon.

CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES

Moving Boldly Into the Future

Moving Boldly Into the Future

Revised Manual for Congregations in Transition

Transitions bring a mix of emotions—joy and grief, gratitude and loss, excitement and uncertainty. During this time, know that you are not alone: God is with you, and the Rocky Mountain Synod Office of the Bishop stands ready to walk alongside you. This season invites your congregation to pause and reflect:

• Who have we been together?
• Who are we now?
• Who is God calling us to become?

By entering the transition process with intentional care and prayer, you make space for the Holy Spirit to move—guiding discernment and renewing your congregation’s ministry for the future. Our Synod Minister for Transitions and Healthy Ministries, Pastor Sara Wirth, will work with you to help you determine the kind of transitional process that is right for you. Click on the link below to learn more.

View/Download Manual

NEW 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

Region 2 Zoom Sessions

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

We pray for the congregations, ministries, and leaders of the North New Mexico Conference

In Memory of

We mourn the passing of Pastor Jay Spoonheim of the Rocky Mountain Synod, now residing in Oklahoma. Recently honored at our 2025 Synod Assembly for 60 years of ministry, we give thanks to God for his lifelong service and faithful witness to Christ’s enduring love and grace. To watch a video interview done a number of years ago with Pastor Jay and his wife, Isa, about Lutheran Spirituality, click [HERE].

Eternal God,

We entrust Pastor Jay, your faithful servant, into Your gracious care. Grant him rest in the company of all your saints and the fullness of joy in Your presence. Comfort those who mourn, uphold them by Your Spirit, and strengthen your church as we give thanks for his life and service. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Health & Healing

Pastor Barb Lemke of Bethel Lutheran Church in Aurora, Colorado, is currently in the ICU at Rose Medical Center following complications from knee surgery that resulted in pneumonia and blood clots in her lungs.

Gracious and healing God,

We lift up Pastor Barb to You, trusting in Your power to restore.

May her lungs find strength and clots dissolve. Bring wisdom to her caregivers and peace to her spirit in ICU. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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.

• Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, maelabouni@rmselca.org