"Faithfulness in our time": a Christmas message from the ELCA bishops and synod vice presidents of Region 2

When the song of the angels is stilled,

when the star in the sky is gone,

when the kings and princes are home,

when the shepherds are back with their flocks,

the work of Christmas begins:

to find the lost,

to heal the broken,

to feed the hungry,

to release the prisoner,

to rebuild the nations,

to bring peace among the people,

to make music in the heart.

 “The Work of Christmas,” from Howard Thurman’s

The Mood of Christmas and Other Celebrations

Dear friends in Christ,

In this Christmas season, we pray that you and your loved ones have found moments of true joy and peace in your celebrations. As the world prepares to greet a new year, we also turn to the days ahead in deep prayer and honest pondering. What will this time bring to our neighbors and communities, to our families and our own lives? What will it mean to be the church and engage in the “work of Christmas” now, in the places where we are?

As bishops and elected leaders, we represent more than 500 Lutheran congregations and ministries in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. The people of our synods live in cities and small towns, near mountain ranges and ocean tides, in deserts and on prairies. We speak many different languages and carry many different stories; and we are all part of the same body of Christ.

As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we also share a common theological identity, as people who place our faith and trust in the grace offered freely to all people in Jesus Christ by the God who so loved the world that God become incarnate: sharing our humanity, standing in solidarity with the suffering and oppressed on the cross, and defeating all the powers of sin and death in his resurrection. The identity we share influences our approach to the secular world. In the words of the ELCA’s social statement The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective, “Social structures and processes combine life-giving and life-destroying dynamics in complex mixtures and in varying degrees. This church, therefore, must unite realism and vision, wisdom and courage, in its social responsibility. It needs constantly to discern when to support and when to confront society’s cultural patterns, values, and powers.”

As Lutheran followers of Jesus, we are concerned for many of our members and neighbors in our communities, nation, and around the world, who are experiencing a high degree of anxiety in these times, particularly those whose identities put them at risk or make them vulnerable as political targets. Knowing that our church includes people of every political affiliation, still as Christians we are called not simply to “agree to disagree”—but to seek, in faithful discernment, the guidance of the Holy Spirit in loving and serving God and our neighbor according to the example of Jesus. We do this as we gather to hear the Word proclaimed and share in the Sacraments; and we do this as we are sent out in service to use the gifts God has given us for the vocations to which God has called us: in our work, relationships, and communities. In all that we do—in worship and discipleship, in our striving to share and to be good news for our neighbors—we remember that we do not do this to earn or deserve God’s love: it is already abundantly given to us and to all people. In our worst moments, we ask for forgiveness; and in humility we learn that God’s grace remains. In our best moments, we rejoice; and we realize that it was not us alone, but God acting with and through us—grace upon grace.

As “the work of Christmas begins,” We invite you to join us in participating in the liberating love of God for the world. Whether you are a long-time Lutheran, a first-time wonderer, or somewhere in between, you are welcome: to find life in the grace of God that we receive in the sharing of the Word, the communion table, and the baptismal font; to find belonging in God’s love for you, no matter who or where you are; and to find spaces of spiritual practice and life-giving purpose that can ground you and draw out your gifts for the sake of others.

Our prayers for all the people of our synods, and for all our neighbors, are that we may come to more fully know, share, and embody the “good news of great joy for all people” that Jesus brings to our world. May this promised good news of justice, peace, and love truly come to all people in our time!

In Christ,

Bishop Deborah Hutterer

Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA

Barbara Carl, Vice President

Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA

Bishop Dave Nagler

Pacifica Synod, ELCA

Jeff Cours, Vice President

Pacifica Synod, ELCA

Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni

Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA

Ruth Hoffman, Vice President

Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA

Bishop Jeff Johnson

Sierra Pacific Synod, ELCA

Simon Wong, Vice President

Sierra Pacific Synod, ELCA

Bishop Brenda Bos

Southwest California Synod, ELCA

Lisa Curtis, Vice President

Southwest California Synod, ELCA

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.

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD MIDDLE SCHOOL GATHERING

IS BACK IN 2025 AND RAINBOW TRAIL IS HOSTING AT CAMP!!!!

SAVE THE DATE!!! JANUARY 17-19



Our speaker is Dave “Packer” Gunnlaugsson, RTLC staff alumni and dear friend of Rainbow Trail

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”   Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Our theme this year is “BREATHE”. It is important that we know our Heavenly Father gave us life and the ability to BREATHE, but it’s also important to know we became dead in rebellion, shame and fear when we choked and suffocated on our own sin. The Father then gave us new life in sending Jesus to BREATHE the last for us and to BREATHE again as He rose from the dead. Jesus now BREATHES fresh breath into us. But our breath-giving God didn’t stop there. He BREATHED His Holy Spirit into us to believe this Good News and continues, even now, for us to rest in Him and catch our breath. Jesus BREATHES His love, forgiveness and every day assurances into us not only to keep living, but to have “life abundantly!” (John 10:10).

Jesus will help us “catch our breath” and get reoriented, reanimated and replenished. He will show us awesome things we call “breath-taking”. Jesus will help us to “BREATHE deeply” of His Word, His Spirit and His presence and we will be able to be free to live the lives He gives to us.

More details will be coming after Christmas, but we wanted to get this on your calendars now! Merry Christmas! See you in 2025!!

Yours in Christ,

Dave 

Questions? contact Dave here

Excellence in Leadership January Cohort – Scholarships Available!

Excellence in Leadership is beginning a new cohort in January and YOU are invited!

Whether you are a rostered leader or a lay person hoping to improve your leadership skills or help your congregation navigate some new realities, this coursework is meant for you!

The new cohort begins on January 13 and meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 6:00pm-9:00pm, with a 6 week break in the summer, and lasts until January 2026. Over those 13 months, you will learn and practice tools and skills to: increase resiliency in times of anxiety, become more grounded and wise when handling conflict, address and navigate change in lives and systems, and deepen relationships with other people who are doing the work alongside you. We are excited to welcome you to this faithful community of learners and practitioners!

We know that especially for smaller congregations, the cost of Excellence in Leadership can be prohibitive. In response to this, we have created a group discount – if you have 4 people sign up as a group, a fifth person may enroll for free. 

Additionally, there is some money available for partial scholarships.

You can find more information at https://www.rmselca.org/excellence-in-leadership

Please direct any questions to Pastor Katie Emery (kemery@rmselca.org).

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:

January 8: Racial Justice 

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

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.

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.

Book Discussion

Saturday, January 11, 10am

Join the Creation Care team to discuss the book Stolen by Ann-Helén Laestadius, a spellbinding Swedish novel that follows a young indigenous woman as she struggles to defend her family’s reindeer herd and culture amidst xenophobia, climate change, and a devious hunter whose targeted kills are considered mere theft in the eyes of the law.

Zoom link for discussion -https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83008940316

For additional information: rmscreationcareteam@gmail.com

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

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

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