If you would like to make a donation as a gift to Bishop Meghan, please follow this link and select "New Bishop Celebration Fund" from the drop-down menu

Please contact the synod office for additional information 303.777.6700

SUMUD - Updates from the Ground

Thousands take to the streets in Israel after 6 hostages were found dead to protest Benjamin Netanyahu and his governments lack of action to move forward with a cease fire or negotiations for the hostages. 

The conditions in the Holy Land are boiling at an all time high. The attacks by settlers on Palestinians and their lands have increased significantly in the last few months. The Palestinian people are hurting because of these extremest groups. There is no plan or strategy by the Israeli governments to stop these settlers or prevent them from harming the Palestinian farmers and their families. There is hope for all of us here in the U.S. to speak truth and justice to the suffering of the Palestinian people. Your voice and action truly matters and makes a difference. 

Also, the situations in the refugee camps in Northern West Bank is really terrible. Just last week 10 more young people were murdered in one day. One way we are stepping in is through Lutheran Disaster Relief. We have been able to donate $250,000 to go toward children and schools. Additional funds went to fund the psycho-social support efforts for the children in the Holy Land. You can also give by clicking this link and choosing the “Crisis in the Middle East” option.

Thank you for your voice and advocacy. It makes all the difference in the world!

The Season of Creation

The ELCA, with the Lutheran World Federation, supports and celebrates the Season of Creation from September 1 to October 4, culminating with the feast of St. Francis. Details on the 2024 theme "To Hope and Act with Creation," along with a celebration guide and resources, can be found online. This year the Season of Creation encourages the Christian family to act together by engaging with the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT). FFNPT is an initiative to help catalyze the phase-out of fossil fuels while ensuring a just global transition for workers, communities, and countries. Join in the September 21 day of action and engage throughout the season.



The Lake Institute on Giving and Faith

Discover new opportunities in faith-based fundraising with our 2025 Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) program. This course combines essential research, practical tools, and immersive training to equip leaders and fundraisers in religious communities. Focused on the unique dynamics of faith-based institutions, ECRF helps you inspire donors driven by spiritual values. Partial scholarships are availablethrough the Thomas H. Lake Scholarship Fund, thanks to our generous donors.

ECRF 2025 Schedule:

• January 14 – March 4, 2025 – online
• April 22 – June 17, 2025 – online
• September 30 – November 25, 2024 – online

For more information, contact Pastor Kim Gonia kgonia@holyshepherd.com

Stewardship Kaleidoscope

September 23-25

offered online and in-person

Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), the Lutheran Church (ELCA), and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship in its many colorful dimensions!

It is becoming clearer every day that there is an epidemic of loneliness and isolation impacting our country. We want to bolster our community connections in this atmosphere. One of our missions is to encourage spirituality (the search for the sacred.) We know the potential power of joining faith communities which are supportive places where belonging can relieve loneliness and join with others for involvement.  We know faith communities can be among the strongest resources for bringing healing connections and spiritual vitality to joining. This is a community-wide program. We will be showing a documentary and engaging in connecting conversations. We are hosting this screening which explains and explores this social phenomenon. Research on connection, community, and the power of joining documents on how to reverse the epidemic of loneliness and isolation. There will be popcorn during the movie, and pizza following the screening for connecting conversation. We offer this program which supports us all on our spiritual journeys of faith and connection.

For additional information email: revalan2004@comcast.net

6th Annual Addiction & Faith Conference

“Addiction, Trauma, & the Power of Faith to Heal” 

October 17-19, 2024, 100% Virtual

Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith

This conference enhances the awareness of people of faith about scourge of addiction.  It brings the best of science, spirituality, compassion, justice and personal stories to the task of informing and inspiring both church and society regarding addiction in its many forms. Speakers and presenters are top-flight nationally-known experts. The conference is for everyone, clergy & lay, seminarians, healthcare professionals, people in recovery and those who love them, youth leaders, and addiction specialists. They strive to educate faith communities with what they need to help those addicted. Click below to learn more about the event, the featured speakers, and to register. 

Thriving Ministries: Congregational Vitality Training

The ELCA’s new Ministry Development & Evangelism Team, Directors for Mission across the church, and ELCA Coaching, in partnership with Kindling Faith invite congregations into the joyful journey of thriving in spirit, community, and action, both within the congregation and through neighborhood connection. Congregational teams of up to five people are invited to join this special cohort opportunity filled with:

• inspiring stories
• experienced and dynamic speakers
• useful resources
• practical support

Together, each congregation will develop and take coach-supported faithful steps forward in being God’s church in the world, especially suited to share timeless faith in our current culture. All registered congregations will participate in:

• six monthly 3-hour sessions are staffed with a coach specifically trained in congregational vitality additional activities that can be used to turn zoom gatherings into a full day retreat or as interactive resources to inspire progress throughout the month.
• Six monthly 3-hour sessions are staffed with speakers and leaders specifically trained and experienced in successful congregational vitality and outreach.

Registered congregations will have access to:

• additional activities that can be used to turn zoom gatherings into a full day retreat or as interactive resources to inspire progress throughout the month
• training recordings, digital downloads of all resources, supplemental Bible studies and book lists.
• three individual sessions with a congregational vitality coach to support your progress between units and offer specific contextual strategies that provide accountability and increase successful growth

Visit registration to learn more about the options for participation. All Sessions are online beginning September 21.

Rainbow Trail Fall Confirmation Retreat led by Bishop Meghan Johnston-Aelabouni

Come join other congregations at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp for a great Confirmation weekend of learning, exploring, singing, worshipping, and playing together. The theme this year is “What’s Good?” We will be exploring the goodness of life with Jesus centering on the verse from John 10:10 “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The large group sessions will be led by our new bishop, Bishop Meghan Johnston-Aelabouni. This will be a retreat you don't want to miss!

Senior High Retreat!

November 22-24, 2024

Bring your Senior High youth to Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp for an unforgettable weekend that is designed just for them. The theme this year is “You’ll Never Walk Alone: A Connected Life in the Body of Christ” centering on the verse from Matthew 28:20 “…remember I am with you always to the end of the age.” RTLC is excited to have Deacon Kellie Lisi and Pastor Jason Davis lead the large group sessions for their Senior High retreat this year. Both Kellie and Jason were RTLC staff members in their past and have roots in the Rocky Mountain Synod. It will be great to have them back on our turf.

RMS Creation Care Team

Nature Connection Workshop on Zoom - Saturday, October 12th

An opportunity to pause “business as usual” and allow a reconnection with ourselves, our surroundings, and our source. As Nigerian philosopher, Bayo Akomolafe, says, “The times are urgent, let us slow down.”

During our time together, participants will reflect on the current state of the world, and practice honoring our pains for our world as we practice moving that pain while reconnecting with the Earth and each other. It's a chance to remember that we are part of nature and learn practices for how to have the ability to draw wisdom from the Earth for guidance, resilience, and inspiration.

I am excited to share this experience with you as we navigate these challenges together.

Please RSVP at sheri@yourpathcoach.org no later than Friday, October 11 will aid in preparing for the event and provide you with more information. Feel free to reach out in the meantime as well, with any questions.

Join Rejoicing Spirits on Sunday, October 20th at Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church, 21755 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Aurora, CO 80015 from 4-6 p.m.

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

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.

Soul Shop

October 13, 2024

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$50 per person (scholarships available)

Location: Abiding Hope Church

Find out more HERE.

This gathering is for ministry professionals to learn more deeply about identifying and supporting people impacted by suicide. It is perfect not just for paid professionals but also for leadership within congregations and ministries: board leadership, small group leadership, children and youth volunteers, faith-based nonprofit leadership, and beyond. This valuable training helps leaders to stand with those struggling with the right language and support they need to work together toward life and health. Soul Shop™ for Leaders is a one-day workshop designed for clergy, staff, lay pastors, and faith-based clinicians to develop soul-safe communities by equipping members to address suicide as a regular aspect of their life and work.

Fall Festival!

September 29, 2024

11 a.m. to 2 PM

Glory of God Lutheran

Wheat Ridge, CO

Glory of God and Blissfest333 presents our 2024 Fall Festival with quality family activities and a truly unique fall experience.

Fall is around the corner and there is no better place to experience this wonderful season than at our Fall Festival. Ease your way into Autumn with some Family Fun for Everyone! 

We will kick-start the season with lots of family activities and games with a live musical performance by Jeff Young. We will also have a cake walk, bake sale, rock scavenger hunt, local crafters, children’s art exhibit, and a variety of fun activities for the entire family plus a BBQ cookout with hotdogs and hamburgers.

Admission is FREE!

We are accepting canned food donations for the Non-Profit Community Table in Arvada.

Augustana Lutheran Church E4 Mental Health Ministry team extends an invitation to youth age 14+ and all adults to attend this informative film regarding a critical topic of teen suicide. Research shows talking about suicide reduces suicidal ideation. "Every young person must see this." Jenna Glover, PHD, Chief Clinical Officer, Headspace. A panel discussion by Liv's Mother, Pastor Caitlin Trussell, The Second Wind fund and a community Mental Health specialist will follow the film. Registration is encouraged. Film will be shown in Augustana's sanctuary, 5000 E. Alameda Ave, Denver. Direct questions to 303-388-4678.

For additional information: https://www.augustanadenver.org/my-sister-liv/

FREE Choir Robes!

Augustana Lutheran Church has choir robes available for donation to another church. The robes are cream-colored Belgian linen.

For additional information: peters@augustanadenver.org

FREE Theatre Seating!  

Bethany Lutheran Church in Denver has 8 pieces of home theater seating to donate. Each row has 4 plastic seats attached to a heavy, metal frame. Please connect with Kevin@bethany-denver.org 

if interested.