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October 7, 2026
generally published Tuesday of each week
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Baptized in Muddy Waters
2026 Theological Conference
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At the end of September, more than 100 leaders from across the Rocky Mountain Synod gathered in Park City, Utah, for our Theological Conference, “Baptized in Muddy Waters: Recognizing Jesus in Times of Change.” Together, we explored how Christ meets us in times of uncertainty through learning, worship, reflection, meaningful conversations, and renewed connections.
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With the generous hospitality of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church and the many gifts shared by participants, we were reminded that we do not navigate change alone. We are a synod, connected, supporting one another, and moving forward together.
Thank you to everyone who made this gathering possible! We look forward to being together again next year. Dates and location to be announced.
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Upcoming Events & Employment Opportunities at a Glance
(Visit the Synod Event Calendar for More Information)
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Upcoming Events
October 2026
November–December 2026
January 2027
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Updated Clergy Compensation Guidelines & Clergy Salary Calculator | | The Rocky Mountain Synod Council has approved updated Compensation Guidelines and a Clergy Salary Calculation Worksheet to help congregations and rostered ministers engage in thoughtful, mutual conversations about fair compensation. Congregation councils are encouraged to complete the worksheet with their rostered minister(s) each year as part of the annual review of compensation, benefits, and mutual expectations. | | | | | |
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Retirement Blessings
Rev. Dr. Kate Schlechter
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Rev. Dr. Kathryn Anne (Kate) Schlechter recently retired after serving 42 years of Active Ministry and 59 years of Baptismal Ministry. The Rocky Mountain Synod and all who know Pastor Kate give deep gratitude to God for her ministry.
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We’ve been deeply blessed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Los Alamos, New Mexico by her presence here with us twice! Once as our bridge associate prior to my call, and now this final pastoral role as our Intentional Transition Pastor for the past 18 months. Including her time as a missionary in Japan, Kate has served Christ’s church for more than 42 years as transformational leader for thousands of God’s people.
Anyone wishing to stay in touch or send congratulations can contact our congregation admin, Jen Robinson office@bethluth.com for her next address.
Sincerely,
Deacon Amy Schmuck
Deacon for Welcome and Lifelong Learning
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Los Alamos, New Mexico
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"Dear Steve...it's Allie"
a love song to small town America from a cosmopolitan snowflake
A 90-minute narrative concert
A series of performances and community engagement with a trans elder and performer
Concert Schedule in Denver Area starting October 16 - October 25, 2026
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Wyoming Conference Leaders Retreat | | |
Reflection by Pastor Chris Davis, Director for Evangelical Mission-North and Synod Minister for Generosity
What a wonderful time with the Wyoming Conference! Mid-September, rostered leaders from across Wyoming came together in Gillette to share the Gospel, serve our neighbors, study the Word, enjoy each other’s company, and learn what ministry looks like in Campbell County. We toured Gillette, visited L&H Industrial which provides services for the large mining equipment in the region, spent time in the Belle Ayr coal mine, and participated in a service project at the Youth Emergency Services (Y.E.S.) House Education Program. What a gift to see what life and ministry looks like in the Cowboy State!
I am enormously grateful for our congregations and ministries throughout Wyoming where we have gifted leaders doing remarkable work. A special word of thanks to Prince of Peace for hosting us and giving us a window into this wonderful community!
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(left-right): Vicar Roberto Tello-Molino with wife, Vicar Laura Garcia | |
TEEM Vicar Installation for Roberto Tello-Molino
All are invited to celebrate the installation of Vicar Roberto Tello-Molino at Immanuel Lutheran Church 1865 14th Avenue, Greeley, CO, on Saturday, October 18, 4:00 p.m.
The color of the day is green, and clergy and other rostered ministers are invited to vest.
Vicar Roberto is participating in the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) program, an alternative pathway to ordination that provides theological education and pastoral training for individuals already serving in specific ministry settings.
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Colorado Council of Churches
2026 Voter Guide
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Founder's Day Convocation
California Lutheran University
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Congregational Prayer Petition for Cal Lutheran’s Homecoming Weekend: Sunday, October 18
Congregations are invited to remember California Lutheran University in their worship service and insert this prayer on Sunday, October 18.
Gracious God, thank you for the faithful dreams that brought California Lutheran University into being and for all who continue to receive and steward that dream—students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and congregations. On this Founders Day and Homecoming weekend, bless and strengthen the bonds between Cal Lutheran and the congregations and ministry sites of your church, that together we may share the good news of Jesus Christ, serve our neighbors, and join in your work of love and renewal in the world. God of grace, receive our prayer. Amen.
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Flash Tattoo Fundraiser for NBWC
Singularity Tattoo
6275 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, Co
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RMS SUMUD
Is Christian Zionism Lutheran?
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Is Christian Zionism Lutheran?
Is the modern state of Israel to be equated with Israel in the Bible? What does the New Testament say about the “promised land” and how is this related to Christ? Can one be critical of the state of Israel without being antisemitic? This three-session online workshop will address these issues, discuss Lutheran biblical and theological approaches, and provide opportunity for sharing of best practices in how to lead congregations in the midst of rising voices of nationalism and Christian Zionism.
The workshop is offered by members of the Christian Zionism Working Group of the U.S. Lutheran Palestine Israel Justice Network (https://uslpijn.org/). Hosted by United Lutheran Seminary’s Kindling Faith program
This online workshop has three sessions:
- October 15
- October 22
- October 29
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Running the Good Race
165 Miles with the "Faster Pastors"
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By Pastor Ashley Allinger
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Colorado Springs, CO.
On Thursday, September 10th, ten runners gathered in Idaho Springs to check in, study course binders, and steady our nerves. We were the "Faster Pastors," a team of rostered leaders and church members setting out to conquer the 165-mile Flaming Foliage Relay from Idaho Springs to Buena Vista. We ran not to support two partnered ministries: Urban Servant Corps, which coordinates faith-based full-time volunteer service, and New Beginnings, the Lutheran worshipping community inside the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility.
Read More
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Synodically Authorized Ministers
Region 2 SAM Gathering
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Celebrating 75 Years
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Los Alamos, NM
| | Photograph by Kirk Weisbrod | | Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Los Alamos, New Mexico, celebrated 75 years of ministry in September, giving thanks for generations of faithful members, leaders, and community partners who have shaped its life and witness. The congregation traces its beginnings to 1950, when 45 people gathered for its first worship service, and was officially established the following year with 78 charter members. Through decades of growth, change, building projects, fires, new ministries, and evolving forms of worship, Bethlehem has continued to live into its calling to follow God, love people, and serve its community. | | | The anniversary celebration honored that rich history while also looking ahead. Bethlehem describes its mission as creating a place where all people are welcomed to meet Jesus, find community, grow in faith, and go out in peace to inspire the world with grace. As the congregation marked this milestone, the theme was not simply remembering the past, but “giving thanks for the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward in faith to all God has yet in store for Bethlehem.” | | | | |
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PLTS Visit & Discernment Retreat
October 30 - November 1, 2026
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Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining PLTS visit and discernment weekend, Signs Along the Way, October 30th — November 1st in Berkeley, California. This weekend is a great opportunity to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the Master of Divinity, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.
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When: 4:00pm on Friday, October 30 through 2:30pm on Sunday, November 1
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Where: PLTS Campus in Berkeley, CA
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Who: Anyone discerning a call to ordained ministry in the ELCA or another vocational path. People at all stages of discernment are welcome.
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What is included: PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can provide some travel assistance for those who need it.
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
More than one in three women and one in four men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).
On average, 20 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States—more than 10 million women and men a year, according to the NCADV.
If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Violence, help is available. Speak with someone today.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service
Hours: 24/7
Call: 800-799-7233
Text: BEGIN to 88788
Women of the ELCA blog
Take action against Domestic Violence in your church and community. Read "What can you do to end Domestic Violence?" from the Women of the ELCA blog, and Download A Litany for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
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Adventures in Preaching
Christian Nationalism and Risky Preaching
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Preachers are invited to:
Adventures in Preaching: Christian Nationalism and Risky Preaching
Special guest Rev. Angela Denker, award-winning author, ELCA pastor, journalist, and speaker, will explore Christian Nationalism and its theological and cultural roots. The day will also feature “risky sermons” from two additional preachers, offering space for learning, reflection, and conversation around the challenges of preaching in today’s context.
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Every Congregation Visit
Coming to your congregation!
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Rooted in God’s story, your story, and our story together, the Every Congregation Visit effort creates space to listen, build relationship, notice and celebrate where God is at work across the Rocky Mountain Synod, and discern how we can work together in shared ministry.
Over the next two years, Synod Ministers will visit every congregation in the Rocky Mountain Synod. Each visit creates space for regularly scheduled worship, informal conversation over coffee or a meal, an introduction to the wider work of the synod, and time for congregational leaders and members to share about their ministry, context, and hopes.
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Rather than a time for problem-solving, these visits are centered on mutual learning, gratitude, and connection as we give thanks for the ministry happening across our 150+ congregations and ministries in five states and considers the ways we can relate, connect, support and equip each other in ministry.
Congregations do not need to reach out to schedule these visits. A Synod Minister will contact you to schedule the visit.
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Liberating Vocation (for everyone)
2-part seminar
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Digital Ministry Grants Available
Offered by ELCA Innovation
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ELCA Digital Ministry Grants Available
Have an idea for a new digital ministry project?
The ELCA’s Grants for Innovation: Digital Ministry provide one-time grants of $3,000–$30,000 for ELCA congregations, synods and ELCA-affiliated ministries. Priority is given to projects that use digital ministry to reach new people and promote equity, inclusion, evangelism and/or community engagement. Grant recipient organizations must have 501c3 status.
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed four times each year through July 2027.
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RMS Global Church Network | |
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The Rev. Eric C. Shafer, Global Refuge's Pastor in Residence, is available to visit Rocky Mountain Synod congregations to share the ministry of Global Refuge and the latest about the "long welcome" Lutherans have provided for refugees for nearly 90 years.
Pastor Eric has availability:
- December 6, 13 & 20
- plus many Sundays in 2027
His usual practice is preaching for worship and leading an adult forum after worship.
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Ambassador Gram Newsletter
The Ambassador Gram is the quarterly newsletter of the LMM national organization. The Gram gives information on the latest programming and events that LMM is offering.
Read More
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Lead like Jesus Conference | | |
Registration is OPEN for the ILLUMIN8 Conference, Lead Like Jesus, January 26-28, 2027*
*Attend all three days or register for individual days
Our keynote speaker is Rebekah Simon-Peter. Rebecca is a rostered Methodist clergy-person who founded an organization called Center for Cultural Renewal. She will leas through a participatory conversation that takes us from spiritual renewal, visioning, elements of a Jesus-like dream, and transforming vision into action. We will also have several relevant and engaging break-out workshops that allow participants to contextualize the concepts being delivered. This is a great opportunity for relationship building and collaboration.
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Illumin8 Collective
Opportunities and tools for pastors, deacons & congregational leaders
| | Illumin8 Collective, created by Abiding Hope Lutheran Church in Littleton, Colorado, offers practical, theologically grounded resources to help strengthen congregational vitality. It connects church leaders with ideas, tools, and support designed to inspire new life in ministry and cultivate a culture rooted in love, grace, and inclusion. Many of the ministry resources are available free of charge. Through the ILLUMIN8 webpage we have launched a podcast channel where we discuss topics centered on healthy mindsets for leading vitalized congregation. You can also find the podcast channel here. | | | | |
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Executive Skills for Church Leaders
January 4 – 8, 2027 (check-in January 3)
| | For over 13 years, this residential week has gathered rostered ministers and lay leaders for a shared time of formation, practical skill building, and community. This year the invitation extends especially to Synod Vice Presidents, lay leaders, and executive leaders, alongside pastors, deacons, and ministers across denominations. Each year the teaching team and topics shift to meet what leaders like you tell us you need most. This year the week will take up the themes that rose to the top in recent surveys with participants: leading and caring for staff and teams, finance and stewardship, governance and healthy councils, developing lay leadership, and sustaining yourself for the long haul of ministry. Spots fill quickly, so we encourage you to hold these dates now. | | | | |
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Caffeinated Church
Communication Resource
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Caffeinated Church is an ecumenical resource hub created by church communicators to support the people doing the day-to-day work of church communications and administration. It offers practical tools, training, and opportunities to connect with others doing similar ministry. Resources include expert-led workshops, a regularly updated resource library, collaboration groups, articles, and guidance on everything from social media, websites, branding, and newsletters to crisis communications, administration, and church events.
At its heart, Caffeinated Church is about sharing ideas and resources across the wider Church so congregations and leaders don’t have to do this work alone.
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ReconcilingWorks Resources | | |
Dear Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA,
One of the most meaningful opportunities we have as people of faith is to nurture young people and support families as they grow in faith, identity, and belonging. Whether you are a parent, guardian, caregiver, youth leader, pastor, educator, or congregation member, the ways we welcome and support LGBTQIA+ youth and their families can have a lasting impact.
Read More
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Lutheran Summer Music Camp
Priority Enrollment through December 1
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Youth musicians in grades 8-12 are invited to Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) 2027 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN! LSM is the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students. Churches from around the country send students to LSM for an unforgettable summer of musical growth and connections in faith and community. Students work with nationally recognized faculty and gather daily to share musical gifts in worship. Academy offerings include large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and electives like handbells, intro to the pipe organ, jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, church music, and more. Churches are encouraged to nominate students, and students can apply now through December 1 for a Priority Enrollment $100 discount.
LSM Program Overview: LSMacademy.org/program
Nominate Students: LSMacademy.org/nominate
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ELCA Property Hub Resources | | The Church Property Resource Hub (CPRH) equips congregation and synod leaders with the expertise that will empower congregations to continue to steward their buildings and land as a witness to the gospel. This initiative was created in response to questions and needs voiced by synods and congregations regarding the use, management and support of church-held property. Check out what's new and explore resources. | | | | |
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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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Rev. Diana Linden, Synod Minister for Lay and Rostered Leadership, dlinden@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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Pastor Sara Wirth (she/her), Synod Minister for Transitions and Healthy Ministries, swirth@rmselca.org
Interim Staff
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