Together, we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.
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September 2, 2025
generally published Tuesday of each week
| | Relate + Connect + Support + Equip | | |
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 STAFF UTAH ROAD‑TRIP & CONGREGATION HIGHLIGHTS
- (2'27" Video) St. Matthew's Lutheran Church (Taylorsville, Utah)
- (1'40" Video) St. Matthew's Member, Eric Stoker, feature
- (1'40" Video) Ascension St. Matthew's (Price, Utah)
- (1'30" Video) Prince of Peace (Logan, Utah)
- (2') Shepherd of the Mountains (Park City, Utah)
THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE
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Fall Theological Conference - Register by September 22
ADVOCACY
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Day of Action Announcement & Invite - September 22, 4–6pm
CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES
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(2' Video) Excellence in Leadership Cohort - Register by September 15
SYNOD COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS
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Global Church Network Team - El Paso & Juarez Border Immersion - Register by October 15
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Campus Ministry - Meet CU Boulder student, Carina Julig
INSTALLATIONS
- Pastor Todd Hawkins (September 13)
- Pastor Dan Burris (September 20)
- Pastor Reba Kiger-Kolasch (September 28)
IN OUR PRAYERS
UPCOMING SYNOD HAPPENINGS
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NEW! Rejoicing Spirits Service coming to Epiphany Lutheran Church in Denver, CO
EMPLOYMENT/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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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.
| | Synod Staff Utah Road‑Trip & Congregation Highlights | | Synod Ministers Rev. Chris Davis, Deacon Mary Stoneback and Pastor Sara Wirth were recently in Utah visiting rostered leaders and congregations across the Utah Conference. Below are video highlights of four of the congregations visited by Synod Staff. | | |
On Tuesday, August 26, over 100 community members gathered at St. Matthew Lutheran Church for a heartfelt community cookout and the blessing of the church’s newly built Free Little Pantry, along with the repurposing of the original pantry into a Free Little Library
Attendees included members of St. Matthew’s congregation, Scout Troop 1996, Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson, representatives from partnering congregations, Rocky Mountain Synod staff, and neighbors who benefit from the pantry.
| |  | Originally founded in 2017, the Free Little Pantry has become a vital, no‑questions‑asked, 24/7 resource—especially as food insecurity continues to affect many in our area to better meet this need, George and Margaret Schleidt (with George’s woodworking expertise) generously donated their time and craftsmanship to build a larger, more accommodating pantry. | | Partnerships include: St. Matthew, Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Holladay, Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church in SLC, Zion Lutheran Church in SLC, South Valley Universalist Unitarian Society in Cottonwood Heights, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in West Valley, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Taylorsville, St. Jude Maronite Catholic Church in Taylorsville, First Christian Church in Taylorsville, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Wards: FirstWard and Heritage Ward, Habitat for Humanity, neighbors who donate food, and people who donate on-line through social media. | | Meet St. Matthew's Member, Eric Stoker | | Deacon Mary Stoneback sits down with Eric Stoker, a member of St. Matthew’s, to hear his story. | | Ascension St. Matthews (Price, Utah) | | Pastor Chris Davis reflects on his time Price, Utah with Pastor Angela Chacon and community members of Ascension St. Matthews. | | Prince of Peace (Logan, Utah) | | Shepherd of the Mountains (Park City, Utah) | | |
Pastor Chris Davis Davis, reflects on his time in Park City, Utah with Pastor Derek Fossey at Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church.
Catch more Synod Staff adventures in Utah—follow us on Facebook & Instagram!
| | Event Date: Monday September 29–Thursday October 2, 2025 | | |
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:
- Keynote Speaker, Dr. Michael Chan
- Conference Cost & Registration Deadline
- Discounted Lodging Options
- View the Conference Schedule (Updated)
We invite all Rostered Ministers—Pastors & Deacons, as well as SAMs (Synodically Authorized Ministers, TEEM Candidates (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) and Ministry Interns to join in for this meaningful gathering.
| | Invite to a Public Action by People of Faith | |
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.
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When: Monday, Sept. 22, 4–6 pm
Where: Messiah Community Church (ELCA), 1750 Colorado Blvd
| | | Global Church Network Team | |
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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Meet Carina Julig
Carina Julig (’19) discovered her passion for journalism in high school and chose CU Boulder for its journalism program—and a fresh start beyond her San Diego roots.
Upon arriving, she missed the faith community she’d loved and found it through Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM). Between ice cream socials, dining-hall lunches, and welcoming smiles, she quickly felt at home. Tuesday night dinners and outings deepened her bonds—especially a journey walking the final 100 miles of the Camino de Santiago in Spain, where the simple rhythm of walking and being created space for reflection and lasting friendships.
LCM became Carina’s anchor at CU. Today, as a journalist covering local government, she remains spiritually rooted in her Episcopal parish (on the vestry) and continues giving back to LCM as a board member—ensuring others can find the same community and growth that defined her college experience.
| Lutheran Campus Ministry with St. Aidan's Episcopal Church support Bread+Belonging, a ministry with students at CU Boulder. Regardless of your faith, all students hungry for a meal and for a place to be known and loved are welcome. |
| CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES | | 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
| | Pastor Todd Hawkins will be installed at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit in Centennial on September 13 at 10:00 AM. The color of the day is green. All are welcome! | | 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! | | |
Lord Jesus,
You are our refuge and strength. Grant Bill peace, courage, and healing in this time of uncertainty. Surround him and his family with Your love and care. Amen.
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A message from Deacon Gail Britt
My husband, Bill Britt, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer that has metastasized to his liver. He will begin infusion therapies on 8/19 in Grand Junction. I would like to ask for prayers for Bill’s health, healing and wholeness. We are heartbroken, yet we will not lose hope as we lift up Bill in prayer.
God’s Peace,
Dn. Gail Britt
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Please pray for our companion synod partners in the Malagasy Lutheran Church - Sofia Synod, Mahajanga Synod, Avarata Antsinanana Synod, Antsiranana Synod, Betela Seminary, female theologians seeking ordination, and Pastor Kristin Engstrom, ELCA Global Missionary to Madagascar.
Gracious and Loving God,
We lift up our siblings in the Malagasy Lutheran Church—from the Sofia, Mahajanga, Avarata Antsinanana, and Antsiranana Synods, to Betela Seminary, the female theologians pursuing ordination, and Pastor Kristin Engstrom. Open ministry doors, inspire boldness in sharing Your Word, and protect their bodies, minds, and spirits. May their faith flourish, their unity strengthen, and Your light shine brightly through their witness. In Jesus’ name—Amen.
| | We pray for the congregations, ministries, and leaders of the Metro South Conference. | | UPCOMING SYNOD HAPPENINGS | |
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Message From Pastor Nicole Garcia
Those on the margins are oftentimes intimidated by our liturgies on Sunday morning, so they rarely attend. A Rejoicing Spirits service gives the IDD community a place to hear they are loved by God just as they are. It is also important to recognize and serve the caregivers for they devote their lives to loved ones. Caregivers deserve a space where they are recognized for their love and devotion.
I am pleased to add Epiphany Lutheran Church (by Washington Park) to the list of congregations who want to serve the IDD community and their caregivers. Our first service will be on Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 4pm to 6pm and then every fourth Sunday of the month thereafter. We welcome all to join us for worship!
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What: Rejoicing Spirits Service
When: Fourth Sunday of each month, 4:00 pm
Where: Epiphany Lutheran Church, 790 S Corona St, Denver, CO 80209.
Questions: Contact Pastor Nicole at epiphanypastordenver@gmail.com for information or to volunteer.
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. We unite in activities, singing, laughing and loving God.
| | 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'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. | | EMPLOYMENT/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES | | 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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