Together, we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.
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October 14, 2025
generally published Tuesday of each week
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Synod Staff Retreat in Wyoming
October 19–22
| | From October 19–22, Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni and the Synod ministers of the Rocky Mountain Synod will retreat in Casper, Wyoming for a time of renewal, reflection, fellowship, and planning. On Sunday, October 20, the staff will be out in various congregations across the region, engaging with local communities in worship, visitation, and listening. Then on Tuesday, October 21, the synod staff and Bishop Meghan will gather with leadership from the Wyoming Conference—joining together for worship, conversation, shared discernment, and relationship-building. This retreat promises both deepening of internal team dynamics and strengthened connection with Wyoming’s congregations and leaders. We welcome your prayers for safe travels and strengthened connections. We look forward to sharing stories of our time on the road together! | | |
Gratitude
- Pastor Michael Stadtmueller's 23 years of ministry at Our Saviour's, Fort Collins
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Laura Garcia installed as vicar at St. Mark's Lutheran, Aurora
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Pastor Michael Tassler installed at Augustana Lutheran, Denver
Upcoming Installations
Public Action Take 2
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(Video: 2 minutes) People of Faith: An Expression of What we Are For - Oct. 18
Advent Communication Bundle for Congregations
- A Communications Resource for Your Church this Advent!
RMS Hunger Network
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Invite from Carol Jacobs, AdHoc RMS Hunger Chairperson
Global Church Network
Veteran Servant Corps Project (VSCP)
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In Person & Virtual Training for faith communities - November 5
Synod Event Calendar
IN OUR PRAYERS
- Congregations, ministries, and leaders of the Utah Conference.
SYNOD DEADLINES
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
QUICK LINKS
OFFICE OF THE BISHOP STAFF
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We'd love to hear what's happening in your area of the Synod. Please submit upcoming events & stories 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.
Together in ministry—with Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni and the Synod staff—we’re deeply grateful for each of you.
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We give thanks for Pr. Stadtmueller!
The Rocky Mountain Synod extends deepest gratitude to Pastor Michael Stadtmueller for 23 years of faithful ministry at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. Your leadership, care, and commitment have blessed this congregation and community richly. Thank you for your service, and blessings on this next chapter of your journey at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
"When people here in Fort Collins ask if I’m excited, I tell them that I’m not excited to leave this community I love so deeply. This has been an amazing place to serve, and I am grateful for the colleagues and friends who have shaped my ministry and life.
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At the same time, I am excited for the new adventure ahead. With my boys now in college, and after a period of prayer and discernment, I sensed that this new call would be a great fit for my gifts. I look forward to walking together in faith with the people of Sioux Falls in the season ahead."
~Pastor Michael Stadtmueller
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A Word from Pr. Micheal Tassler
"As I begin ministry at Augustana Lutheran Church, I’m eager to learn about and take my place within the myriad ministries Augustana nurtures and shares within and beyond its walls. My initial areas of responsibility include Confirmation, Pastoral Care, Adult Education and Formation, Communications and Media, and Worship – each a genuine area of passion for me. The ministry staff at Augustana is a fun and faithful bunch to serve alongside, and the congregation is genuinely welcoming and vibrant. I’m so glad to be here!"
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October 29 (Time TBD)
Pastor Ashley Allinger will be installed at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado on October 29 (Time TBD). The color of the day is green. All are welcome!
| | Participants from the first Public Action at Messiah Community Church on Monday September 22 share why it matters to them to gather peacefully. | | |
Saturday October 18, 12pm
Messiah Community Church
In conjunction with "No Kings Day," people of faith are again invited to gather in front of Messiah Community Church on Saturday October 18 at noon. In addition to the event happening downtown, folks will be gathering all along Colorado Blvd.
- We can be the "people of faith" presence at 17th & Colorado.
- We will name together that people of faith stand for love, justice, peace, and care for the oppressed.
- Bring your signs! Bring a chair if you like (some will be available for those who can't stand for long periods.
RSVP: pastor@messiahdenver.org
| | Advent Communication Bundle | | |
During the advent season, churches throughout the country welcome new faces, longtime members, and church-curious folks. As such, heavily increasing your communication externally is vital! This advent season, Vero Communications is here to help elevate your advent invitations - you share a few pieces of information and we’ll develop the creative materials! We take your already-developed Advent theme and build-out marketing materials that elevate your message. We call this, the Advent Bundle!
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Here's what you'll receive:
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Postcard - designed to highlight Christmas Worship Services, special events, etc. ready to be printed and addressed.
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Social Media Graphics - introducing your Advent theme and highlighting your Christmas Eve/Day Worship Services.
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Digital Flyer - designed to highlight Christmas Worship Services, special events, etc. ready to be printed and distributed around town.
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Lawn Sign/Outdoor Banner - designed to promote Christmas Eve/Day Worship Services, sized for your specific needs.
With a guaranteed 2-week turnaround time, this Advent Bundle is uniquely catered to your ministry and can be in your hands ASAP.
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Dear Rocky Mountain Synod,
After the retirement of longtime leader Carol McDivitt, the Rocky Mountain Hunger Network is re-energizing and seeking to unite congregations across our five states. By sharing ideas, strengths, and needs, we can be more effective together, even with limited resources.
The good news: global hunger has decreased thanks to 50 years of work by ELCA World Hunger and partners. The challenge: sustaining momentum as we face new pressures from climate, conflict, and shrinking resources.
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We’ll be reaching out to congregations in the coming weeks. If you have a heart for serving hungry and struggling people—locally or globally—you’re invited to join the Hunger Team. No experience is needed; every idea and bit of input makes a difference.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Cathy Jacobs
AdHoc RMS Hunger Chairperson
cjacobs1027@gmail.com
office: 719-564-7360
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Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine:
A Social Policy Resolution
October 16, 2025 @ 7–8:30pm MDT
Zoom
On July 30, 2025, the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA passed the resolution, “Toward Ending
the Occupation of Palestine”. Join guests Ralston Deffenbaugh (Former Lutheran World Federation Asst. General Secretary for International Affairs and Human Rights), Maddi Froiland (ELCA Sumud), Rev. Gabi Aelabouni (ELCA Middle East and North Africa Desk) and RMS Sumud on zoom Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7pm to learn more about this resolution and the doors it opens, an update on events in Palestine and Israel, ELCA resources for engagement, and how you can connect.
| | AMMPARO Immigrant Accompaniment | | |
Webinars
Wednesday November 12, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday November 20, 11:00 a.m.
Join immigration attorney, Cathy Brown, for a webinar to learn more about US Immigration. Better your understanding of how immigration laws are supposed to function and how they are currently being misused. Cathy is an experienced immigration attorney located in Lafayette, Colorado whose practice focus on family, citizenship, and asylum.
Questions? Contact Marissa Seuc–Hester
| | Welcoming Veterans to Your Faith Community | | |
In person & Virtual
Wednesday Nov. 5,11:30-2pm
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Service members, veterans and military families are members of all religious faiths and look to their faith leaders for guidance and support. As Faith Leaders, you make a difference through innovative ministries connecting with military members, veterans, and their families. This hybrid (in-person and online) event is a chance to focus on practical ways you can make your Faith Community a place of welcome and support for military members, veterans, and their families. Click the button below for who to contact with questions.
| | UPCOMING SYNOD HAPPENINGS | | |
Rejoicing Spirits
Sunday, October 19, 4-6 p.m.
Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church
We will come together — singing, laughing, and loving God. Rejoicing Spirits is an inclusive worship space for people with intellectual or cognitive disabilities, their caregivers and families, and anyone desiring an open, joyful, creative worship experience. We meet at LOTH on the third Sunday of each month in 2025. To learn more or volunteer, contact:
“We will know what it is to be created in God’s image when all are included.”
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Spiritual Neighboring 101
Saturday, October 18, 9am to Sunday, October 19, 2pm
“Spiritual Support Training” — 1½-day workshop (for lay & ordained leaders) Led by Rev. Elizabeth Mae Magill (Liz) This practical course equips participants to offer spiritual care to neighbors on society’s margins—such as those experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, mental health or addiction challenges, justice involvement, or migration.
What you’ll learn:
- Assessing context and discerning your role in relationship
- Becoming a companion through presence and care
- Approaches to engaging strangers, setting boundaries, and ensuring safety
- Core skills in deep listening and spiritual care
Interactive elements include role-play, case discussions, and practice scenarios.
| | | Check out other happenings in the Synod and 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. | | Note: Please complete as much of the event submission form as you can—I can only share the details you provide. Thank you! ~Deacon Mary | | We pray for the congregations, ministries, and leaders of the Utah Conference. | | El Paso & Juarez Border Immersion | | |
Join Bishop Meghan Aelabouni for a Rocky Mountain Synod El Paso & Juarez Immersion November 1–7, 2025. Registration deadline is October 15, or when capacity is reached.
Questions? Ask Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson, Synod Minister for Rostered Ministry (dlinden-johnson@rmselca.org) This immersion is led by AMMPARO Immigrant Accompaniment.
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Ready to Rethink Youth Ministry?
Join the Formation Co-Op at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp—where congregations explore bold, faithful approaches to root young people in lifelong faith. Applications for our final cohort (Group C) are open now!
| | 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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