How you can help:

• ✂️ All crafters (knitters, crocheters, quilters, sewers) are invited to create handmade blankets (approx. 45″×80″ individual, 60″×80″ family; baby blankets welcome) or handmade tie-blankets. Click for more information.
• 📦 Bring blankets in person to the display — or mail them to: Holy Cross Lutheran Church — 4500 Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
• 🕯️ Attend the vigil to honor lives lost and show care for those still without a home.

Why it matters:

This public vigil and blanket display make visible the dignity and worth of people too often unseen. After the vigil, all blankets will be donated to individuals and families in need across Denver — a tangible act of warmth and compassion for our neighbors. Learn More.

We hope you’ll participate — in person or by contributing blankets — and join hearts and hands to bring hope and warmth this winter. An alternative location in case of inclement weather is also being worked out and will be communicated once finalized. 

On November 20, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Logan, Utah joined congregations across the synod and ELCA in providing a Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) service. Pictured above is Juno Potter, president of council at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, who spoke at the church's third annual Trans Day of Remembrance vigil on Nov. 20, 2025. Duck Thurgood reported on TDoR in Utah and highlighted Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Listen to the piece by clicking the button below.

Duck Thurgood is a general reporter and weekend announcer at UPR, and is studying broadcast journalism and disability studies at USU. They grew up in northern Colorado before moving to Logan in 2018, so the Rocky Mountain life is all they know. Free time is generally spent with their dog, Monty, listening to podcasts, reading, or wishing they could be outside more.

Dear Sky Ranch Community,

The Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp Board of Directors is writing to share that Lori Bode has resigned as Executive Director of Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, expressing that after much reflection and prayer, she has discerned it is time for Sky Ranch to be led into its next season by someone with different gifts.

Lori noted that serving this ministry has been one of the great honors of my life and she expressed deep gratitude for the trust, partnership, and shared mission that shaped her time at Sky Ranch. She highlighted the meaningful work accomplished during her tenure, including strengthening the physical and operational foundations of the camp, completing the Pavilion, expanding staff leadership, and continuing the journey as a Reconciling in Christ organization.

Most importantly, Lori shared how profoundly she valued the community of radical hospitality at Sky Ranch and the transformational moments experienced by campers and guests in this sacred community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Lori for her leadership and care for this ministry. We ask the Sky Ranch community to join us in praying for Lori and her family as they enter into new adventures, as well as Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp.

In peace and gratitude,

Sky Ranch Board of Directors

Hello community, 

With a sense of deep relief, I get to share that Ali has made it home and reunited with his children and brother's family as of yesterday afternoon. My heart is tangled with frustration, grief, joy, relief, and fear for what comes next. 

ICE did not return key belongings like his license, credit cards, phone, etc. and he has said it is like he just arrived in the US again- with nothing. Our team remains committed to helping their family at each step as they reform their life, once again. And yet, he still was smiling and cracking jokes, just like the Ali we know. His legal team is working to try to recover his items, and his other legal team is filing a motion to move his asylum case back to Colorado, once more. The road is not over, and we don't know what the future holds for him, his family, and so many. 

We have various press interviews in the works, as so many want to hear from him now that he is out of detention. I'll continue to share updates as they settle in. Thank you for being on this road with us. Read on for the most important thing: Ali getting to share his voice directly with you. 

Ali shares his deepest gratitude to all of you and all in your networks who shared his story, offered prayers, sent cards, donated, and held him in your hearts. Below, in his words, are his reflections. He asked me to share them with you all. 

in love and solidarity,



Marissa Seuc–Hester

Director of Faith Formation

Christ the Servant, Louisville, Co.

After 50 days in prison, today I am finally free again. These 50 days were not just a number or a difficult memory for me—they were a major test in my life. A test that broke me, rebuilt me, and taught me things I would have never understood in an ordinary life.

Fifty days…Maybe it doesn’t sound long to someone on the outside, but for the one living inside those walls, every single day feels like a year.

Every morning I woke up with my heart trembling for my family—

wondering if my mother slept well,

if my siblings were worried,

and what was happening outside that I couldn’t see or reach.

During those days, I learned that prison is not only about walls and locked doors. Prison is looking at the sky through a tiny window and feeling like even the sky is far away from you. It’s the sound of footsteps in the hallway making your heart drop. It’s the silence of nights that feels heavy on your chest. It’s counting seconds just to hear a familiar voice for a few minutes.

Prison is missing people so much that your heart hurts. It’s fear… pressure… and silent prayers whispered only for God to hear. And still, somehow, hope finds a way to come back like a little spark.

But along with the pain, I also learned a lot…I learned how strong a human being can be when they have no other choice. I learned that family is everything. I learned that true friends and kind people can save your spirit even from far away.

And I realized that freedom is one of the greatest blessings in life—walking freely outside, feeling a gentle breeze, seeing the sky without bars,

sitting with family, laughing without fear…These things may seem simple, but after losing them, you understand their true value.

When I walked out today, the world looked different to me. The air smelled like life. The sun felt warmer.

The sky looked brighter. And hearing my family’s voices felt like the most beautiful music in the world. Seeing my loved ones again lifted the weight of all 50 days off my shoulders.

I want to thank everyone who stood by me during this time. My family, who were the true heroes—my mother who prayed with a broken heart, my siblings who tried to stay strong, my friends who never stopped checking on me, and everyone who prayed, messaged, and cared. Your kindness was a light in the darkest days of my life. I will never forget your love. I hope no one ever has to go through what I went through. I wish for a life full of safety, peace, and freedom for everyone. I hope all of us have days that begin with smiles and end with calm hearts.

I am back…with a heart that is wounded but stronger, with a spirit that suffered but never lost hope,

and with a new determination to start again and build a better future.

Thank you to everyone who supported me. I begin this freedom with gratitude and love. I will never forget what you did for me.

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• Rev. Barbara Berry-Bailey (she/her), Synod Minister for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, bberry-bailey@rmselca.org
• Rev. Quirino Cornejo (he/him), Director for Evangelical Mission-South & Synod Minister for Multicultural Witness, qcornejo@rmselca.org
• Rev. Chris Davis (he/him), Director for Evangelical Mission-North and Synod Minister for Generosity, cdavis@rmselca.org
• Jon Johnson (he/him), Synod Minister for Finance and Human Resources, finance@rmselca.org

• Rev. Diana Johnson, Synod Minister for Rostered Ministry, dlinden-johnson@rmselca.org
• Kurt Rager, Synod Minister for Advocacy, New Mexico, krager@rmselca.org
• Deacon Mary Stoneback (she/her), Synod Minister for Strategic Communications and Events, mstoneback@rmselca.org
• Yvonne Wilken (she/her), Synod Minister for Adminstration, office@rmselca.org
• Pastor Sara Wirth (she/her), Synod Minister for Transitions and Healthy Ministries, swirth@rmselca.org