Together, we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.
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September 30, 2025
generally published Tuesday of each week
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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
Theological Conference
- Highlights of this week's gathering in Colorado Springs, CO
Gathering at the Gate
Public Action on Colorado Blvd
Rocky Mountain Synod (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
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
Synod Calendar
- Check the calendar for more synod events.
SYNOD DEADLINES
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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.
| | Theological Conference '25 | | |
Over 80 leaders, Bishop Meghan Johnston-Aelabouni, the Synod Staff and guests are gathered this week in Colorado Springs at First Lutheran Church for the Fall Theological Conference. The gathering brings together rostered and lay leaders for theological reflection, renewal, and connection. Dr. Michael Chan, VP for Mission & Inclusion at Concordia College, is leading sessions on how Biblical “story endings” point to new promise, focusing on Old Testament readings. View the Theo Conference online guide for more information, check out the Rocky Mountain social media for more updates and click the button below to watch the opening worship service.
A very special thank you to all at First Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs for making this week possible.Your incredible hospitality has made this week full of connection and meaning...and delicious food!
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“Feed us with hunger for justice…
thirst for peace.”
At “Gathering at the Gate” in Washington, we prayed, sang, and stood up for vulnerable people—supported by my home church in Albuquerque. We asked our senators to protect SNAP and Medicaid, using empty plates to symbolize those who’ll go hungry. We lifted symbols of loss—plates, chairs, first‑aid kits—to remember those denied food, health care, disappearance. I watched a stark vote split (every Republican vs. every Democrat) and felt the weight of division. Still, faith holds fast. Much like the 400‑year‑old Peace Tree that survived Hiroshima, our small acts of hope endure. Grateful for this gathering: protesting, learning, and trusting in God’s future."
| | About Gathering at the Gate: Gathering at the Gate happened September 16-17 in Washington D.C. It was a gathering for Lutheran Christians (both rostered leaders and laypeople) in response to rising injustices—especially toward refugees, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, people in poverty, and others marginalized by systems. The event is grounded in the biblical call from Amos 5:15 (“hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate”). | | Public Action on Colorado Blvd | |
Folks from at least 16 different faith communities or organizations gathered along Colorado Blvd from 4:30-5:30 and shared messages boldly proclaiming what people of faith are FOR - an important message in this moment when messages of hate, exclusion, and oppression are too often attributed to people of faith. That's not who we are. That's not what we are for. We belong to God who is love - and who has made us all in the image of that love.
As the picture above show, it was a time of hope and courage, and I am so very grateful to all who gathered and all who held us in prayer. Thank you for showing up and sharing sacred messages through good ol' poster board and sharpies.
~Pastor Inga Oyan-Longbrake, Messiah Community Church, Denver, CO
| | Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS) Sumud | |
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Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine
A Social Policy Resolution
October 16, 7–8:30pm
On July 30, 2025, the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA passed the resolution, “Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine”. Join guests Rev. Mark B. Brown (Metro Washington, DC Synod Middle East Peace Team), 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.
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The Walk to Al-Mawasi
Fort Collins to Loveland
Highway 287
Saturday, October 11th
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.
A QR code on the leaflet shows a map of the zones. Red is a combat zone, and yellow is the "safe" humanitarian zone.
But in reality, nowhere is safe. 78% of structures in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. This is a map of Gaza over Fort Collins/Loveland.
- Find your house.
- Is it still standing?
- Do you need to evacuate?
October marks two years of genocide in Gaza. Genocide funded with our taxes. Genocide supplied by our very community. On Saturday, October 11th, we will walk in solidarity with the people of Gaza, walking along Highway 287 from Fort Collins to Loveland.
Join us to raise awareness of the continuing horrors of two years of genocide, and to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Route details will be released at a later date. Bus access should be available along the entire route.
| | | 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
| | Upcoming Synod Happenings | | 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 Metro South Conference. | | 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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