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January 16, 2026
generally published Tuesday of each week
| | Bishop Meghan's Epiphany Greetings | | |
Dear siblings in Christ,
Blessed Epiphany to you all! I’m writing to you from Jerusalem, where I have joined ELCA bishops and leaders for an accompaniment visit to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land to celebrate the installation of the new ELCJHL bishop, the Rev. Dr. Imad Haddad. This has been my first trip back to the place my family and I called home prior to my call as bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod. It is a gift to reunite with family and friends, to share the beauty of this place and its people with ELCA colleagues, and to celebrate with a church that has much to teach us about faith and steadfastness in times of injustice and heartbreak.
I have also had the honor of representing the Rocky Mountain Synod, bringing greetings from our synod to our siblings in Christ in the Holy Land. It has been a true joy to share how our synod holds the people of Palestine and Israel in prayer; how we participated in calling the whole ELCA to greater accompaniment and advocacy through the memorials passed at our 2025 Synod Assembly and Churchwide Assembly; and how our ministries of worship, service to neighbor, and advocacy for justice resonate with the work of the church here—including ministries with immigrants and in border communities. Together with our synod’s Sumud working group for justice in Palestine and Israel, I hope to plan a Rocky Mountain Synod Holy Land trip for 2027. Look for details to come!
I am mindful in these days of the Epiphany story: the wise magi who journeyed from afar to worship Jesus and, warned of the malice of King Herod, returned home by another road.
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This choice protected Jesus, then a vulnerable child, from the violence of a fearful leader who chose the way of power by any means necessary. Jesus lived to proclaim and embody a different way: the way of compassion. He laid down his own life rather than sacrifice the lives of others; and his resurrection proved that the way of God’s love is the truest power.
As we enter a new year, I find myself pondering what it means to choose that other way, especially when the way of the world has brought devastation: in the Holy Land, where people in Gaza are still dying months after a so-called ceasefire. In Venezuela, whose people face an uncertain future and hope for a better one. In U.S. communities where ICE agents have detained, disappeared, or killed our neighbors—including legal residents and citizens. In leaders like Herod who choose the way of power and revel in cruelty. In my own sin, when fear or anger or self-righteousness lead me astray.
We are called to a different road: the way of Jesus. And we are reminded that when we can’t, or won’t, choose that path, Jesus finds us on the way regardless: to draw us back to the way of the Gospel and to community and belonging; to give us new life in the promise of resurrection; and to lead us—not by shame or force, but by grace—to abundant life in Christ, as the Holy Spirit works to bring hope and healing to the world God so loves.
+In Christ,
Bp Meghan
| | Follow Bishop Meghan's blog, "What in the World" for pastoral letters to the synod, and reflections on life and faith on the website HERE | | | | |
Welcome to the new RMS Website | | Welcome to the Rocky Mountain Synod’s new website—see what's new as we refresh the look, navigation, and content. We hope you enjoy the new site and are easily able to find what you are looking for. Because this is a work in progress, some areas are still being built and populated. For example, you may notice pages 'coming soon' and other areas in process. A number of the links have changed. If you have bookmarked pages on the previous site, they will need to updated. | | | |
We want this to be user friendly, helping you find what you need easily. Your feedback is welcome—as you explore, please share what’s working well, what’s confusing, what feels missing, and anything that doesn’t behave the way you expect. And check back often as content will be updated regularly.
A special thank-you to our Web Developer, Patrick DeLoughry from Cyntacs Studios for his hard work in getting this new site up and running—and to everyone who has helped over the past two years to get this process underway.
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Synod Assembly Registration is Open | | |
The 2026 Synod Assembly Website and Online Guide is a central hub for this year's Assembly titled, “Vida en Cristo. Life in Christ.”, happening April 23–25, 2026 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village).
Click on the button above to find “quick links” that will help you prepare: registration information and the registration form link, plus separate instructions and links for scholarship applications and for retired rostered leaders who wish to be considered as voting members.
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The guide also includes an “Important Dates” page that lists key deadlines and prep gatherings (including Zoom sessions on voting member responsibilities and other pre-assembly briefings), as well as on-site timing like exhibit set-up and when the assembly opens/closes.
Finally, it highlights key assembly guests and links to their bios (keynote speaker, ELCA churchwide representative, and parliamentarian).
Please visit this page often to stay up-to-date as you prepare for this year's Synod Assembly.
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More Information Coming Soon
Walking What Jesus Talked About
Tuesday, April 21, 12pm – Thursday, April 23, 12pm
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"When I retired I had a dream to quilt. Quilting allowed me to create something physical that I hoped would be useful, valued, and enjoyed for a long time."
~Susan Stitt
| | Picture (left to right): Ian Stitt, Susan Stitt, Aimee Stitt | | Susan Stitt shares how she, a member of Holy Cross Lutheran, Wheat Ridge, connects Matthew 25:40 to her decision to volunteer and donate quilts/blankets—offering warmth, dignity, and remembrance through the Blanket Remembrance Project, especially on the “longest night” of the year. And read how Susan's son, Ian Stitt, was encouraged by his mother's example in his work with individuals facing homelessness. | | | | |
Join Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni and ELEA staff for an enriching professional development experience hosted by Abiding Hope Preschool, Kindergarten, and Nature School. Together, we’ll tour this innovative learning space and engage in open conversation about how congregations and schools can grow stronger in ministry together. We will also hear from Jennifer Bond, ELEA Insurance Benefits Administrator, on topics such as HR compliance, insurance options, and more. | | | |
This special event brings together congregational and school leaders—pastors, council chairs, school board members, directors, and principals—for a collaborative exploration of the vital connection between church and school ministry. Expect meaningful dialogue, practical strategies, and inspiration for strengthening your educational ministry.
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The Office of the Secretary Announcement
Annual Congregation Reports
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Dear Conference of Bishops,
The Office of the Secretary would like to share several updates and announcements regarding the Annual Congregation Report process.
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Portico’s January 2026 highlights include::
- ELCA-Primary members should watch for their new 2026 health ID card, now with a Group ID—and if two sets arrived, use the second set and destroy the first (Quantum Health can help at 877-851-5656).
- As of Jan. 1, 2026, the ELCA-Primary EAP moved to Spring Health (via 98point6 by Transcarent), offering therapy (age 6+) and coaching (age 13+) through the app/myPortico.
- January is Financial Wellness Month—check Fidelity’s quick tips and consider a no-cost Portico Financial Planner appointment (book online or call 800-922-4896).
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40-40-40 Lenten Challenge
for Region 2
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Join the Region 2 ELCA Lenten Challenge (2026)—a friendly, faith-filled effort across the five Region 2 synods (Sierra Pacific, Southwest California, Pacifica, Grand Canyon, and Rocky Mountain) to put Matthew 25 into practice.
This year’s theme—“Lord, When Did We See You?”—invites individuals, families, congregations, and organizations to commit to 3 of 4 practices (Devotions, Learning, Action, and Donation) throughout Lent, while together aiming to raise $100,000 for ELCA World Hunger—supporting sustainable solutions that address the root causes of hunger and poverty.
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Faith Formation Network
A Network for those working with children, youth and families
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Dear Faith Formation Network Colleagues,
You are cordially invited to our next FFN Gathering on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from Noon-1:30 at: Abiding Hope Lutheran Church (6337 S Robb Way Littleton, CO 80128) **Park on the very far south side of the building to come in the back door. This is on the backside of the gym. **
Lunch from Qdoba will be provided! Thank you to Pastor Jay Gamelin and Abiding Hope!! Please RSVP to Pastor Jay at PastorJay@abidinghope.org.
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As always, please let me know if you have information or events to share with the FFN. Also, if you are new to the FFN or interested in learning more about the network, please let me know. We would like to welcome you in our next newsletter! I hope you feel encouraged and inspired to continue your Faith Formation Journey with the precious children, youth, and young adult Children of God in our midst!
+In Christ’s Love and Hope,
Deacon Kristen, FFN Coordinator
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Resource Available
A Book Study, for our better awareness,
accompaniment and advocacy
| | Immigration Accompaniment Network (IAN) | | We give thanks for our companion partners in Madagascar — the Mahajanga Synod, the Antsiranana Synod, the Sambava Synod, the Sofia Synod, and Betela Seminary. | | |
On the Website
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Go to Connect & Serve on the Main Menu, where you'll find individual pages for: Global Church Network, RMS SUMUD, Companion Synods and Immigrant Accompaniment Network
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Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp is pleased to announce the appointment of our Interim Executive Director, Missie Bonser. | | |
January 19, 9am
MLK Jr. Day Morning Prayer + Marade at Urban Servant Corps
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Synod Prayers
We prayer for the rostered ministers, congregations, and ministries throughout the Metro West Conference.
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Installation
Pastor Alena Lamirato will be installed at Advent Lutheran Church on Thursday January 29, 6pm. Color of the day is green. All are welcome!
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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 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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| | Rocky Mountain Synod | 2323 E. Iliff Ave., | Denver, CO 80210 US |
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