Together, we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.
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October 7, 2025
generally published Tuesday of each week
| | Welcome Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry | | Curry receives a standing ovation as he is presented to the assembly. Photo: Janine Truppay/ELCA | |
Answering the Call
By John Potter
When Yehiel Curry was installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on Saturday, Elizabeth Eaton, the former presiding bishop, led the assembly in welcoming Curry. “Yehiel, bishop in the church of God, we have looked forward to your coming with great joy,” she exclaimed to a diverse, colorfully dressed and enthusiastic assembly at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
“With all my heart,” Curry began before pausing emotionally. After Eaton went to his side and placed a hand on his arm, he continued. “I thank you for your welcome. I hope to serve among you in Christ’s name. And in the joy of the Spirit, may the peace of God be upon this house and this assembly.”
Read More from Living Lutheran
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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Please be alert to fraudulent emails and impersonation attempts targeting Bishop Meghan and synod staff:
- If someone asks you to send money, buy gift cards, or make financial transactions in unusual ways — beware.
- Check the sender’s email closely for subtle differences (typos, extra letters, odd domains).
- The Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA will never ask you to buy gift cards or send money via unofficial methods — such requests are a red flag.
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If you’re unsure about a message’s legitimacy:
- Contact the supposed sender using a known, trusted method (official phone number or verified email).
- Report the suspicious message immediately to Synod leadership.
- Don’t reply, click links, or share sensitive information until the message is verified.
Thank you for your care and vigilance in protecting our community’s integrity. May we serve faithfully and wisely, both in the physical and digital world.
In Christ’s service,
Office of the Bishop
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SYNOD NEWS
Theological Conference
Global Church Network
- RMS SUMUD
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Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine - Zoom session Oct. 16
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The Walk to Al-Mawasi - Walk in solidarity - October 11
- AMMPARO Immigrant Accompaniment
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Immigration Law Webinars - November 12, 20
Veteran Servant Corps Project (VSCP)
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Faith Leader Development Training through Cohen Veterans Network - in person or online (no-cost) - Seeking Interest
Campus Ministry
Synod Event Calendar
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.
| | Theological Conference '25 | | | | |
May 17–27, 2026
A Learning Trip to Greece and Turkey with Dr. Michael J. Chan & Dr. Heather Waddell
This immersive experience delves into the historical and cultural foundations of Christianity and democracy, tracing the footsteps of transformative figures such as Plato and Paul. Participants will explore the lives, writings, and enduring influence of these and other figures who shaped Western thought and society.
Learn More
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The Walk to Al-Mawasi
Saturday, October 11th
Fort Collins to Loveland (Highway 287)
On September 9th, Israel dropped leaflets on Gaza City, telling one million residents to evacuate to Al-Mawasi in the south. This is roughly 14 miles, the equivalent of walking from Fort Collins to Loveland.
October marks two years of genocide in Gaza. Genocide funded with our taxes. Genocide supplied by our very community. Join us to raise awareness of the continuing horrors of two years of genocide, and to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, walking along Highway 287 from Fort Collins to Loveland. Bus access should be available along the entire route.
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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
| | Faith Leader Development Training (no cost) | |
There were 6,407 Veteran suicide deaths in 2022 (the latest year data is available), three more than in 2021. This is 18 Veteran suicide deaths a day in 2022 in our country. Veterans/Military Members experiencing a mental health crisis will often reach out to a Pastor/Faith Leader, even if they are not involved with a church.
The Cohen Network (Homepage - Cohen Veterans Network) is providing a no-cost Faith Leader Development Training, discussing and learning how to support Veterans and their families in crisis, in Colorado Springs November 5. This training will be available both in-person and online. Chaplain Jeff Zust (a Veteran Servant Corps Project board member and a member of the Rocky Mountain Synod-ELCA) will be providing part of the training that day.
The Cohen Network is ready and able to support Military Members/Veterans and their families with their mental health needs. They are able to provide these services both in-person and online.
If you are interested in learning more, please send Vicky Daub (Executive Director of Veteran Servant Corps Project) to lvdaub2@gmail.com
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Meet James
James is one of our beloved elders.
He began visiting Luther House around 2014 during his undergraduate years at the University of New Mexico, and he continues to be an integral part of our community today.
“I am a cradle Lutheran, as they say, and I was expected to visit Luther House in college,” James recalls. “I didn’t know what to expect, but there was free food, so I decided to try it.” What James found at Luther House was a place to belong. He discovered community and friendship in a world where those can be hard to find.
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“There aren’t that many places where you can go just to try to get to know other people,” James says. “This campus ministry is somewhere you can go, not spend money, and really get to know people.”
“When I first started coming to Luther House, I didn’t talk much. After becoming more comfortable with the people, I talk a lot more. It has really helped with my social skills.” James remembers fondly the many friendships he has formed at Luther House.
“I really like the outings that we go on together,” he recalls. In fact, he met his fiancée after attending a Christmas play with a friend from Luther House. “It’s a great way to make friends and find a community. You never know who you are going to meet,” he says with a loving glimmer in his eye.
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Blood Drive
Friday, October 10, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Conifer, Colorado
Risen Lord Lutheran Church and St. Laurence Episcopal Church are hosting a blood drive! For an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org. The location of the blood drive is Donoghue Hall, 26812 Barkley Rd. Aspen Park, CO 80433
Use sponsor code: ConiferCO
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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 | | Pastor Michael Tassler will be installed at Augustan Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado on October 9 at 7:00PM. The color of the day is green. All are welcome! | | Laura Garcia Villipando will be installed as Vicar at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Aurora, Colorado on October 11 at 11:00AM. The color of the day is green. All are welcome! | | Pr. 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! | | 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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