VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER

eConn brand color

Together, we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.



January 17, 2025



Dear friends in Christ,


Two Sundays ago, I worshiped with the people of Union Church in San Juan, Puerto Rico as part of the ELCA Bishops’ Academy, a continuing education event that introduced us to the rich history, theological contributions, ongoing ministries, and diverse cultures of Puerto Rican Lutherans and their neighbors. January 5 was Domingo de los tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings’/Magi Sunday), a joyful Epiphany celebration with deep significance for Christians in Puerto Rico who honor the tradition of the magi and share gifts with others. Less than a week later, Gabi and I were at lunch with Bishop Brenda Bos from the Southwest California Synod and her wife, Janis, when they received news that their house in Altadena had been destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires, along with the homes and businesses of so many of their neighbors. Bereft of any wise words or useful gifts to share, we offered what we could: presence, prayers, and love (and chocolate).


Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7) In this new year, the call to love sounds out again in the midst of wildfires and storms, grief and change, and joys and celebrations too. Love can be both the simplest and the most difficult thing to find, express, or receive. Yet we have the promise that “love is from God,” and “God is love.” May this love sustain and strengthen all of us and our neighbors in this season—and let us love one another, in word and deed.

In love, Bishop Meghan


Key updates from the Office of the Bishop:

  • Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is coordinating with the Southwest California Synod, Pacifica Synod and other partners to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires and will work with them to provide for immediate needs and long-term recovery amid the widespread destruction. Find more information, prayer resources, and ways to donate to LDR efforts at https://www.elca.org/our-work/relief-and-development/lutheran-disaster-response/our-impact/us-wildfires. Gifts to "U.S. Wildfires" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by wildfires until the response is complete.
  • The Synod staffing process continues in the new year with ongoing interviews for open positions. We are excited to have received so much interest from gifted candidates throughout the synod, and we will share updates as positions are filled.
  • Interim staffing support in some ministry areas is being provided by Pr. Will Johnson (Transition Coach and Pastor of Nativity, Commerce City) for transitions; and Rebecca Burris, Director of Communications at Abiding Hope, Littleton, for communications. Thank you, Pr. Will and Rebecca! And thank you to the people of the RMS for reaching out to the Office of the Bishop with your needs, questions, and concerns. We are grateful for your continued patience and grace in this time of transition, and as some plans and communications may take longer in this season than in typical years.
  • Synod Assembly plans are underway! Our 2025 Synod Assembly will be held May 22-24 at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque, New Mexico. More information, including registration, will be sent out in the next few weeks.

synod budget

RMS Council approved two-year budget proposal 


In December, the RMS Council approved a proposal from Bishop Meghan and Finance Director Jon Johnson to: pilot a two-year budgeting process for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 that would incorporate the input of synod council, finance committee, and voting membership in the presentation of a proposed two-year budget for approval at the 2025 Synod Assembly. This proposal comes out of conversations with rostered and lay leaders and members throughout the synod; our goal is to pilot a process that is more transparent, participatory and proactive.

Read more about the rationale, planned timeline and steps, and other details HERE.

around the synod

Rejoicing Spirits Denver


Join Rejoicing Spirits Sunday, January 19, at Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church (LOTH) 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. 

We will gather at LOTH on the third Sunday of each month in 2025. 


Please RSVP to  pastor@lordofthehills.org For more information regarding the Rejoicing Spirits experience or volunteering, please contact:

Pastor Margot at

pastor@lordofthehills.org

Pastor Ann Hultquist at 

native2615@gmail.com or

Karen Ullestad

 kmullestad@hotmail.com

Music of the Vine

February 1, 7-8:30pm

 

Join Augustana Arts for a unique evening that will give you a new appreciation for the tastes and sounds of America’s heritage: a wine tasting and music pairing performance. Featuring a jazz pianist and vocalist alongside certified sommeliers and jazz experts Adam Torres and Michael Schreier, this program will take you artfully through classic American sounds and tastes. You will be guided through a curated selection of four American wines, paired perfectly with jazz, big band, and popular classics from The Great American Songbook. You'll listen to artfully selected tunes as you sip the wine, chosen specifically to highlight each wine's tasting notes.

For additional information, click here.

Recreation & Revelation Continuing Education

February 9-14, 2025

If you love winter activities (downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and more), and you are looking for some "R&R" while engaging with amazing theologians and speakers, as well as other clergy and ministry leaders, join us for Recreation & Revelation. R&R is an annual winter theological retreat that takes place every February at Winter Park, Colorado, and has a rare approach to continuing education. This year, our speakers are Dr. Barbara Rossing and Dr. Ben Stewart. 

For information and registration, head over to http://www.recreationandrevelation.org/ 

or contact Joel Pancoast pastorjoel@zionloveland.com

or Chad Kohlmeyer pastorchad@atonementboulder.org 

Learning Beyond Your Living Room with Urban Servant Corps

First Wednesday of every month from 11am-1pm

1660 Ogden St. Denver, CO 80218

Suggested donation of $20 for lunch, provided


Why join this on-going social justice lunch group?

This is an opportunity to expand your understandings of the world (and city!) around you. An invitation back to servanthood and social justice. A way of engaging with other like-minded folks for a better community.


During the Year we will address:

February 5: Immigration

March 5: First Nations

April 2: Advocacy

May 7: Creation Care/Environment

June 4: LGTBQIA+

July 2: Israel/Palestine

August 6: TBD

Advocacy UT

Utah Conference Interfaith Day at the State Capitol

February 10, 2025 9-11 AM


Join your voice with siblings of diverse faith traditions to demand justice and love during the Utah Legislative Session, on Feb. 10, 2025, 9-11 AM in the Seagull Room of the Senate Building at the Utah State Capitol: 350 N State St. SLC, 84112.

We will have a brief advocacy training, discuss important legislation, and have an opportunity to meet with legislators. This is for everyone, of every comfort/experience level of advocacy, lay folks and clergy. 

Contact Pastor Brigette Weier at weierbrigetter@gmail.com for more information or to RSVP by Feb. 5.

Brave Experiments:

Lay Leader Edition

February 20, 2025 6:30 p.m.


The landscape of congregations and leadership has shifted dramatically, especially post-pandemic. While there is a shortage of pastors and deacons the fact is many congregations are unable to afford full-time or even part-time leaders. Despite these challenges, congregations are innovating. Lay leaders are stepping up to roles traditionally held by rostered leaders, and brave experiments are underway to meet the needs of our communities. Join us at the winter 2025 Brave Experiments zoom event to hear from Bishop Meghan and three congregations pioneering lay pastoral leadership. We'll discuss training, partnerships, and how these changes are being received. Together, we'll explore what works, what doesn't, and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit for the future.



https://www.rmselca.org/event/brave-experiments-lay-leader-edition

Anti-racist text study

Bible Study with an AntiRacist lens

1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 11am MT


Grab your friends, your neighbors, your churches, your family, and join us in studying scripture! If you can't join live, DON'T WORRY! You will receive recordings. Don't forget to bring pen and paper to take notes, because it is a LOT of incredible information each week! The hour and a half FLIES by, and there is time at the end for questions. 


This deep dive into scripture has helped people strengthen their relationship with God, with their communities, and with the Bible. It has helped preachers and bible study leaders, rostered and lay leaders by opening us up to scripture with different lenses, reading scripture as it's meant to be - with other perspectives. We dive into the context of when the stories were written, geek out on the original Greek and Hebrew, and explore different angles of engaging each text.


We use the lectionary texts for the current and then following weeks. This just means we engage scripture that will be preached in most ELCA churches (and other denominations) on Sunday mornings. 


Give it a try, you won't regret it. Let's dive deep with ARTS.

Save the Date: 20th Annual Thomas H. Lake Lecture Featuring Dr. Willie James Jennings


Join us for the 20th Annual Thomas H. Lake Lecture on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET featuring renowned theologian Dr. Willie James Jennings from Yale University. Dr. Jennings will offer deep insights on faith, race, and philanthropy, drawing from his influential work, The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race . Join us via livestream - RSVP HERE - by April 1.

The Lake Institute on Faith and Giving.

recycling

Make a New Years Resolution to use Less Plastic


We all use too much plastic. We know it, but we can’t seem to do without it! Plastic is such a problem that the UN held a special conference to draw up an international law or treaty governing plastic production and use. More than 100 nations gathered in So. Korea a month ago and only could agree to delay a decision until next year. In 2022, 175 nations agreed to make the first legally binding treaty on plastics pollution, including in the oceans, by the end of 2024. The postponement came just days after the closing of COP 29 where climate talks again yielded little but settling on a finance bill to assist developing nations. Some negotiators feel that the UN consensus process makes any significant progress extremely difficult. All parties must agree before any vote is taken.


Plastic production is on track to triple by 2050. Microplastics are found literally everywhere. More than 3200 chemicals of concern are found in plastics. The representative from Panama said, “Postponing negotiations does not postpone the crisis. When we reconvene, the stakes will be higher.”


Can each of us try harder to minimize plastic use in our home? Could we make a New Year’s resolution to reduce plastic use? Make a list and see what you come up with. Involve all family members. Then reach a consensus to follow through (Start small—agree on only a couple of items to start.). Each of us CAN make a difference.

Mary Kwamme

rmscreationcareteam@gmail.com

Holy Land

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Greek Islands

June 16-25; 25-29, 2025

A Multicultural and Ecumenical Spiritual Journey Experience

Experience the origins of your Christian faith. Walk the land where it all began, walking and visiting the

fields and holy places where Jesus was born, where Jesus preached and instructed his disciples,

where Jesus suffered, died, and was risen. The holy places where Jesus inaugurated his Church and commissioned his apostles to spread the Good News of God’s unconditional love throughout the whole world.


Explore the ancient wonders of Athens, embark on a wonderful 3-night cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey, experience the picturesque Greek Islands, where history and spirituality intertwine. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Greek culture, dive into the footsteps of biblical narratives, and deepen your faith alongside fellow pilgrims. Let the beauty of Greece's landscapes and the wisdom of its heritage inspire your soul and renew your spirit on this unforgettable journey.

Be immersed, spiritually and culturally, in the unique blend of holiness, history, and modernity as we also connect with the ecumenical Lutheran and Episcopal ministries in the Holy Land. You will return with a deeper faith, a clearer understanding and connection with Biblical places, a deeper connection with the universal church, and many memories that will last a lifetime.

Trip Leaders:

Margarita Reyes, Mission Developer and Vicar of the Latino Ministry Cristo Rey in Denver, Colorado.

For more information Please contact:

The Rev. Quirino Cornejo, Pastor for Multicultural Ministries and Witness qcornejo@rmselca.org

Interested in joining the RMS Veteran Servant Corps Project board?

We support Veterans/Military Members in various ways, including providing worship services at 3 Veterans Homes in the RMS.


Please contact Vicky Daub, Executive Director of VSCP, if you are interested at

lvdaub2@gmail.com

employment opportunities

Director of Faith Formation

Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield (CO)


Lutheran Church of Hope, an ELCA congregation in Broomfield, Colorado, is seeking a Director of Faith Formation to be part of a team that leads a community in the sharing and transforming of faith, hopes, and lives.  


The Director of Faith Formation (DFF) is a full-time position that equips the congregation and households to live out the promises made at baptism. The DFF serves as Staff Lead/Lead Servant for the Discipleship Mission area of Lutheran Church of Hope. While the majority of the DFF’s time will be spent with children, youth, households, and young adult ministry, the position leads the cradle to grave faith formation ministry of the congregation, partnering with other staff and ministry leaders.  


Compensation includes salary range of $50,000-$56,000 along with a 401k, medical benefits, continuing education allowance, paid-time-off, and reimbursed professional expenses. 


A complete job description and compensation information may be found on the congregation’s website at www.lchope.org or by contacting the church office at (303) 466-4823.  


Interested applicants should submit a cover letter with resume and specific experience no later than Sunday, February 2, 2025, to Shannon and Dawn Ambrosio, search team co-chairs at faithform@lchope.org.  


Interviews will commence after February 2nd and will continue until the position is filled.


LCHope is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, physical handicap, medical condition, or age, to the extent required by law. This applies to all employment practices, including hiring, promotions, training, disciplinary action, termination, and benefits.


For additional information, click here.

Director of Faith Formation

St. Peter Lutheran in Greenwood Village, CO


The Director of Faith Formation at Saint Peter Lutheran Church (StPLC) will engage the congregation in the shared work of faith formation for all ages. In close coordination with the pastor, staff, and congregational members, he/she will support, coordinate, and equip ministry programs to foster spiritual growth, as we seek to live and share God’s creative and redeeming word to the world. 


For additional information, click here.

mark your calendars

Installations

Michael Eisenman

Our Savior's, Casper, WY

January 19th at 1:00 p.m.

The color of the day is GREEN


Monica Butler

St. Aidan's Episcopal Church,

Boulder, CO

March 9th at 2:00 p.m.

The color of the day is PURPLE

Synod Assembly

May 22-24, 2025

Embassy Suites

Albuquerque, NM

prayers

We pray for the congregations, ministries, and leaders of the Metro West Conference


King of Glory, Arvada, CO

Pr. Laura Bostrom


St. Andrew, Arvada, CO


All Saints, Austin, CO


Nativity, Commerce City, CO

Pr. Will Johnson


St. Mark's Church of Grace Episcopal Lutheran Ministry, Craig, CO

Pr. Bain White


Highlands/New Beginnings Worshipping Community, Denver, CO Pr. Samm Melton-Hill


Lord of the Mountains, Dillon, CO

Pr. Kate Davidson


Evergreen, Evergreen, CO

Pr. Terry Schjang


Good Shepherd, Glenwood Springs, CO Pr. Jeff Carlson


The Episcopal Church in Garfield County - Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Battlement Mesa, CO

Pr. Kimberlee Law


Lord of the Valley, Granby, CO

Pr. Rob Moss (Interim)


American, Grand Junction, CO

Pr. Valerie Carlson

Pr. Dan Carlson



Shepherd of the Valley,

Grand Junction, CO

Dn. Gail Britt


First, Gypsum, CO


Zion, Idaho Springs, CO

Vr. Ken Maldonado


Zion, Montrose, CO

SAM Lyle Miller


St. Stephen, Northglenn, CO

Pr. Randall Mundt (Interim)


United Church of the San Juans, Ridgeway, CO

Pr. Melinda Veatch


St. John, Thornton, CO

Pr. Wes Dunbar


Mount of the Holy Cross, Vail, CO

Pr. Scott Beebe


Advent, Westminster, CO


Glory of God, Wheat Ridge, CO


Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge, CO

Pr. Libbie Reinking


Intermountain Health, Peaks Region, Front Range Market

Pr. Alicia Harker


Accent Care

Pr. Matthew Barnhouse


For more information on the RMS Prayer Cycle click HERE

quick links

Subscribe to eConnection


eConnection: past issues


Submit an eConn article or job ad


Find a Congregation



Search Employment Opportunities


Give a Contribution to RMS TODAY

brand logo