Together, we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.
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September 16, 2025
generally published Tuesday of each week
| | GREETINGS FROM BISHOP MEGHAN | | |
Hello Fellow Readers,
This week's econnection highlights news and updates in the life of the Rocky Mountain Synod and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, including:
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SYNOD NEWS
God's Work, Our Hands
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(Video) Highlands Lutheran Church & Holy Cross Lutheran Church Celebration (includes a 3'30" video featuring the partnership)
- Lutheran Church of the Servant, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Installations
- Pastor Dan Burris (September 20)
- Pastor Reba Kiger-Kolasch (September 28)
Anniversaries & Gratitude
- Covenant Lutheran Church, Wheatland, Wyoming Celebrates 50 years!
- Gratitude for Pastor Libbie Reinking’s Service as a Transition Coach
Upcoming Synod Happenings
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Fiesta Kermes at Christ the King Christo Rey - September 21, 11am–6pm
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Day of Action Announcement & Invite - September 22, 4–6pm
- Synod Calendar
In Our Prayers
SYNOD DEADLINES
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(Video) Fall Theological Conference - Register by September 22 - Includes a 3‑minute video message from Dr. Chan.
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RTLC Grace Race Registration – September 26
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Global Church Network Team - El Paso & Juarez Border Immersion - Register by October 15
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Formation Co–Op at Sky Ranch - Register by November 1
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 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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Highlands Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado and Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, Colorado have entered into an intentional partnership, sharing one roof while maintaining their unique identities. Holy Cross voted on June 29 to welcome Highlands, and Highlands will be renting space in Holy Cross’s facility.
Together, they seek to amplify their mission in Christ—combining resources, deepening fellowship, and expanding their ability to serve the community—while respecting the traditions and strengths each congregation brings. On September 7, the two congregations celebrated their partnership serving together in God's Work, Our Hands' Sunday and offering the community a block party.
| | On “God’s Work Our Hands Sunday,” Bethlehem assembled care packages to give to homeless people in need. Kurt also encouraged the congregation to write postcards to their district legislators, thanking them for their service and urging them to fund SNAP and close the Medicaid gap in the upcoming October special session. | | Kurt Rager, Synod Minister for Advocacy in New Mexico visited Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church where he preached, led an adult forum, and enjoyed lots of great coffee and conversation! Bethlehem was a key congregation in the formation of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in New Mexico 42 years ago, as the founding director, Nima Ward, was a member of this congregation. | |
Pictured (left to right): Kurt Rager, Rev. Dr. Kate Schlechter, Senior Transition Pastor and Deacon Amy Schmuck
| | Pastor Dan Burris will be installed at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greenwood Village on September 20 at 2:30PM. The color of the day is green. All are welcome! | | Pastor Reba Kiger-Kolasch will be installed at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Salt Lake City on September 28 at 10:00AM. The color of the day is green. All are welcome! | | |
Covenant Lutheran Church in Wheatland, Wyoming, marks half a century Saturday September 20 of proclaiming God’s grace, serving the Platte County community, and growing in faith. As the congregation reflects on their roots and looks ahead, they give thanks for every person who has shaped this journey. Here’s to 50 years of love, hope, and faithful witness — and to all that God has in store for the years ahead!
We all in the Rocky Mountain Synod celebrate with Pastor Joshua Bruns and the faithful people of Covenant Lutheran Church in this milestone.
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We give thanks for the faithful ministry of Pastor Libbie Reinking, who has now concluded her service as a Transition Coach. In this role, Pastor Libbie walked alongside congregations in seasons of change, helping them listen for God’s voice and equipping them for faithful discernment and ministry. With wisdom and care, she strengthened our synod’s witness and offered a steady, hopeful presence in times of uncertainty.
Pastor Libbie’s ministry has woven her life with ours in ways that will continue to bless our synod’s faithfulness and mission. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, her spirit of collaboration, and the many ways she has supported both our congregations and our RMS Transition Ministry team.
| | | Upcoming Synod Happenings | | September 21, 11:00am–6:00pm | | Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 21, as Christo Rey / Christ the King hosts our Fiesta Kermes — an afternoon & evening of food, fun, music, and community joy! Bring family & friends for tacos, treats, games for kids, live music, and plenty of laughter. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate together and support our parish. | For more information, contact Rev. Quirino Cornejo (qcornejo@rmselca.org) | |
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When: Monday, Sept. 22, 4–6 pm
Where: Messiah Community Church (ELCA), 1750 Colorado Blvd
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An expression of What We Are FOR
People of faith from all traditions are welcome to gather for a peaceful, public witness on Colorado Boulevard, in front of Messiah Community Church, on September 22 during afternoon rush hour. We'll stand together against cruel, anti‑Christian policies and instead lift up what we are FOR—especially justice and compassion for the poor and marginalized.
Gather in the East parking lot by 4 pm. With heavy rush-hour traffic, our visibility is powerful.
| | | | 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 Metro South Conference. | | Dear Readers – thank you for sending the following prayer requests. | | |
Gracious God, we remember Emily Keyes, a young student at Platte Canyon High School whose life was tragically taken in a classroom shooting. Her parents’ love became a legacy—the “I Love U Guys” Foundation—bringing hope, safety, and healing to many. We pray for peace in our schools, for protection over young lives, and for our church to be a source of comfort and justice. Amen.
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Gracious God, we remember Iryna Zarutska, a young Ukrainian refugee whose life was senselessly ended on Charlotte’s light rail. We pray for her family, friends, and all who mourn, that they might experience your peace and presence. We also pray for our ELCA synods serving immigrant and refugee communities—that they may be channels of compassion, justice, and hope in times of suffering.
Amen.
| | RTLC GRACE RACE REGISTRATION | ONLINE REGISTRATION DUE SEPTEMBER 26, 4:30PM | | |
Help erase World Hunger at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp’s 19th Annual Grace Race on Saturday October 4, 2025 at Sloan's Lake Park in Denver!
This annual 5K run/walk was started as part of RTLC’s 50th anniversary in 2007 to raise money for ELCA World Hunger. The event is held in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Synod Hunger Network. Over the last 18 years, RTLC and the participants of Grace Race have contributed over $102,600 to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. We are aiming for 200 participants in this year’s race. Help RTLC send another $10,000 check to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal!
Online registration is open NOW until 4:30pm Friday, September 26. Day of race registration begins at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 4 at Sloan's Lake Park. Come run or walk, and make a difference!
| | | EL PASO & JUAREZ BORDER IMMERSION | |
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.
Question? Ask Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson, Synod Minister for Rostered Ministry (dlinden-johnson@rmselca.org)
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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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