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November 19, 2025
generally published Tuesday of each week
| | Transgender Day of Remembrance | | |
On November 20, the Rocky Mountain Synod joins faith communities worldwide in observing Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR)—naming those lost to anti-transgender violence and committing to safer, more welcoming communities. TDOR began in 1999 as a vigil remembering Rita Hester and has grown into a global witness of prayer, lament, and resolve.
At our 2025 Synod Assembly, voting members affirmed a resolution calling the RMS to more public witness and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people—encouraging staff participation in inclusive services, reaffirming our commitments, providing resources to congregations, and advocating against laws that target LGBTQIA+ neighbors.
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Grounded in ELCA social teaching, we affirm the God-given dignity of transgender and nonbinary siblings and support laws and practices that respect diverse bodies.
Supporting TDOR is one way we live this call—through prayer, presence at local vigils, and equipping congregations to be places of safety, belonging, and hope.
“God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people as we mourn the loss of the dead on this Transgender Day of Remembrance.”
Source: ReconcilingWorks' “A prayer for Transgender Day of Remembrance.”
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Interview featuring Eric and Pat Refsdal, members of Ascension Lutheran Church-Ogden
Eric and Pat Refsdal found a home at Ascension Lutheran Church during their second long-term stay in Utah, joining in July 2014 to remain within the ELCA family. Eric quickly joined the music team as a guitarist, singer, and soloist; Pat dove into ministry leadership—from financial secretary, Sunday school organizer and teacher, to building committee chair, flower minister, scheduler of worship assistants, and worship assistant and counter, grounds manager, special projects, as well as the past council president. What keeps them rooted is the casual, loving church family—and its robust outreach to the community and beyond.
Over 65 years, Ascension has taken faithful risks that ripple well beyond its walls. A landmark step came in 2002 with the construction of the Community Life Center, opening space for sports, congregational life, and neighborhood needs. Ongoing partnerships deepen that impact—especially with Family Promise of Ogden and Kidz Town Head Start & Daycare, co-located nearby to support children and families in one connected hub. Seasonal yard sales and today’s Holiday Bazaar have welcomed throngs through the doors—not just to raise funds, but as true community outreach.
Challenges have also shaped the congregation’s character. After pandemic disruptions and pastoral transitions, Ascension restarted its Sunday School through steady, grassroots growth—drawing in grandchildren, neighbors, and daycare families.
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Children now bring “Noisy Offerings” to support local food pantries, turning small change into tangible care. Meanwhile, long-standing water damage dating back to the 1990s spurred major repairs: a new roof, stucco work, updated sprinklers with rock barriers, and a resurfaced lot—made possible through modest growth, donated labor, insurance, and collaboration with Family Promise.
Ministry at Ascension ebbs and flows with people’s gifts. Alongside Sunday worship and study, Ascension’s life is knit together by quilting, a prayer chain, book club, shepherding, movie and game days, and regular women’s and men’s brunches. The campus hums all week: AA and Al-Anon meetings, youth groups, community sports, counseling, Girl Scouts, and health screenings make the fellowship hall and gym a neighborhood crossroads—exactly what that 2002 leap of faith envisioned.
Looking ahead, Eric and Pat hope Ascension will welcome the region’s rapid growth, inviting “new blood” into worship and service—and expanding ministries in response. It’s a fitting vision for a congregation that just marked 65 years of “planting seeds of grace, faith, and love” in Ogden.
Ascension’s heartbeat, in a phrase: “Gathered and gifted to celebrate and share the love of Jesus.”
| | Children serve as acolytes during worship | | Pastor Debra Jimenez delivering the sermon on the 65 year celebration | | Children bringing their "Noisy Offerings" | | | | |
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Submitted by Pastor Chris Davis, Director for Evangelical Mission-North & Synod Minister for Generosity
Federal funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits expired on November 1, leaving 42 million vulnerable people facing increased food insecurity. Although the situation is heartbreaking, we’re not standing by. Thanks to your help, we’ve started compiling a growing list of local food pantries, distribution sites, and outreach contacts. You're welcome to share it, print it, or link it in your church bulletin. If you’d like to add a location, contact Deacon Mary Stoneback, Synod Minister for Strategic Communications and Events.
We’re also delighted to spotlight your generosity—several stories are featured in this eConnection. Please keep sharing the good news—and continue to send your stories to Deacon Mary so we can encourage one another in this vital outreach and ongoing need.
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Submitted by Pastor Ron Glusenkamp (retired), and wife, Sue Ann, member of
Augustana—Denver
Inspired by the Rocky Mountain Synod’s 10/31/25 newsletter on SNAP and practical congregational action, my wife, Sue Ann, and I each applied for Thrivent Action Team grants to bolster Augustana’s Sanctuary Soup Shelf—$250 apiece for a combined $500. (Thrivent provides a prepaid Community Impact Card—up to $250—to jump-start service projects led by members.) Each Thrivent member receives two action team grants per year as seed money to make a difference in their communities.
We named our Thrivent Action Team grants to keep the purpose front-and-center:
- SNAP DECISION!
- S4 – Supply Sanctuary Soup Shelf
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What careful shopping can do
On Saturday November 15, we went shopping and just as an illustration we were able to purchase
- 60 cans of Progresso Soup
- 40 cans of Tuna
- 12 cans of Fruit
- 24 pouches of tuna
By shopping the sales we were able to acquire $268.00 worth of food for a cost of $154 (which represents a savings of $113 or 42% of the bill).
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Ultimately this means we can purchase more food and serve more food insecure people in our community. After church on Sunday November 16, we did another sale-savvy run. Final totals so far:
- Retail value purchased: $439.89
- Actual spend: $248.50
Sale-matching and planning let every dollar reach farther, which matters because many SNAP households still rely on local pantries to bridge gaps.
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A family Thanksgiving of gratitude in action
Our 11 family members—8 adults and three little ones (ages 6, 4, and 20 months)—will shop together on Wednesday, Nov. 26, then bring the food to our Thanksgiving Eve worship, placing the gifts at the altar for the Sanctuary Soup Shelf. We hope this hands-on ritual plants habits of gratitude, generosity, and compassion in our littles.
Keep the momentum going
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Consider a Thrivent Action Team for your congregation’s pantry or meal project—simple application, local impact.
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Point neighbors to SNAP via Colorado PEAK (apply/manage benefits online). Pair with Double Up Food Bucks, which matches SNAP fruit/vegetable purchases dollar-for-dollar (typically up to $20/day) at participating locations.
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Thank you, Rocky Mountain Synod, for raising this issue—and for stirring the “potential of possibilities” among us. With a good plan, a few sales, and many hearts, small grants become big meals for neighbors.
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Submitted by Deacon Korra Looschen, Coordinator of Faith Formation at First Lutheran Church in Longmont, Colorado
First Lutheran Church—Longmont has a Little Free Food Pantry, as well as a closet of coats and blankets available to the public. We recently received an anonymous letter from a recipient of the Food Pantry I wanted to share with the Synod. You truly never know who you are helping.
"Dear Little Free Food Pantry,
I often wonder where I would be if I was in another state in the world in the position I am in. The kindness and generosity from this food pantry has given me hope when I had none left. Looks can be deceiving and I have learned to ask for help. I’ve almost died a few times out here, a female alone, so please know how much this means to me and others. Thank you."
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Submitted by Arielle Lee Wilson, Communication Coordinator at Saint Peter Lutheran Church - Greenwood, Colorado
On November 2, Saint Peter Lutheran Church in Greenwood Village, CO, partnered with Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry in an outpouring of help for a community in need.
As the ongoing government shutdown disrupts SNAP (food assistance) benefits for many families, Saint Peter Lutheran Church responded with compassion. Midway through morning worship on November 2nd, volunteers of all ages packed 100 "blessing bags" full of essentials for individuals experiencing homelessness, shopped together to contribute over 2,500 pounds of food for hungry neighbors who visit Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry, and sorted more than 1,000 pounds of donations received from ARC Thrift Stores.
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At Saint Peter, we celebrated God's Work. Our Hands. on All Saints Sunday. As we gathered to give thanks for our loved ones who have served as examples of faith, we joined together to serve.
"When we love," said Pastor Dan Burris, "incredible things happen." Pastor Burris called on the congregation "to live those gifts of God's love, mercy, and grace. ... Our work [today] is an act of remembrance -- to carry forward the lessons of love and service we have received from the saints before us."
Saint Peter Lutheran Church supports Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry's mission to fill critical gaps in food assistance. Learn more about Covenant Cupboard here. CCFP is a weekly food ministry that helps ensure hungry people's immediate needs are met. CCFP distributes nutritious fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food in a respectful and safe environment.
| | Together, we can be God’s hands in our community — sharing hope and nourishment in a time of uncertainty. | | | | |
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Pastor Joel Pancoast will be installed at Lord of the Valley in Grandby, Colorado, December 19, 4:30pm. The color of the day is blue/purple.
Additional Invite to Ski:
If is interested in skiing earlier in the day before the installation or the next morning, or if they would like information about cheap housing for Friday night, contact Pastor Joel at joelwpancoast@gmail.com
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Dear Synod Leaders,
We are sharing two important resources to assist you in establishing fair compensation for rostered ministers:
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Rocky Mountain Synod Compensation Guidelines Narrative (approved 2023) – Comprehensive guidance on salary, benefits, expenses, and leave policies, including minimum standards and tax considerations.
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Compensation Worksheet – A tool to calculate and document the total compensation package based on the guidelines.
These resources help ensure that rostered ministers receive livable wages and appropriate benefits that reflect your faith community's values. We encourage annual review of compensation packages in consultation with your congregation council.
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Questions? Contact Pr. Sara Wirth
Synod Minister for Transitions and Healthy Ministries
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COLORADO GIVES DAY
MAKE YOUR DONATION COUNT (NOW - DEC. 9)
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"This photo will always be worth more than a thousand words, as it was taken one early morning at the beginning of my PGA season. Dave was to my right, Cam to my left, and none of us were saying a word. Dave had asked me to wake up with him to help him start the fire for morning cookout. We all stared at the fire, just enjoying its warmth and each other’s company, as well as the chunks in our cowboy coffee. It was one of the many, many times I have felt truly at peace and have seen Jesus at work at Rainbow Trail."
~Abby
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It's time for Colorado Gives! You can make your gift NOW or anytime during the entire month of November leading up to Colorado Gives Day on December 9th, and it will count towards Rainbow Trail's total for Colorado Gives Day!
We have set challenging goals for this year—a base goal of $200,000 and a challenge goal of $250,000. Wouldn't it be cool if we raised $250,000 on Colorado Gives Day? We'll need a lot of people to give to be able reach these goals. Know the difference you will make. Invite a friend to do the same!
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The Rocky Mountain Synod is the home to four Gather sites: Gather Pikes Peak, Gather Boulder, Gather Denver, and The Table in Salt Lake City. Gather Austin has been around for almost 3 years now, and we are blessed to have been able to build such a strong community. Our next step is to try and spread the love so that we are no longer the only Gather site in the South/Central region of the country, and use our experience to help start new Gather sites in other locations in Texas.
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As RMS Sumud continues to further our purpose, which is to respond to occupation and injustice in Palestine and Israel through accompaniment, advocacy and awareness-raising with our partners in the Holy Land and in the ELCA, we offer these special opportunities: |
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Weekly Advent Devotions from our ELCJHL Siblings
Open this weekly Advent gift of devotion and prayer as Lutheran siblings from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) lead us in meditation and prayer. All of the sessions are available here with accompanying discussion questions for your congregation's consideration, for your family's time of devotion or for your own personal prayer life.
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Christmas Cards are Nice, but How about a Book Instead?
As we prepare for the holidays, why not send a childrens' book to those on your Christmas card list? Maybe the person is not a parent, but everyone knows a child who loves a story. This book is also an excellent story to tell at worship or during another teaching moment. It is "Issa Flies", the story of a Palestinian Sunbird's Christmas Journey.
Please find below.
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Participate in RMS Sumud:
To attend an upcoming RMS Sumud planning session on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. MDT, simply join us at:
| ***Please note that this one requires a passcode, which is Lutheran. | Questions? Please call or text Rebecca Aardahl at (701) 527-4342. | | AMPARRO Immigrant Accompaniment | | |
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Webinars
Thursday November 20, 11:00 a.m.
Join immigration attorney, Cathy Brown, for a webinar to learn more about US Immigration. Better your understanding of how immigration laws are supposed to function and how they are currently being misused. Cathy is an experienced immigration attorney located in Lafayette, Colorado whose practice focus on family, citizenship, and asylum.
Webinars will be offered
- Thursday, Nov. 20th at 11 a.m.
| Pictured Above: Immigration Attorney, Cathy Brown | Pictured Above: Images from Cathy Brown's Facebook Page | | |
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Hello everyone,
Thank you for your ongoing support of Ali's family. I would like to share that Ali's story has been published this morning in the Colorado Sun.
It has been 28 days since he was detained wrongfully. He has two lawyers working on his behalf in multiple ways and we hold our breath for news from the courts about the jurisdiction of the case and the issue of his wrongful detention.
What you can do:
Share the story!
Tell people about Ali, and also about this wider problem of human rights abuses. Share the article above, or my op-ed in the Boulder Reporting Lab, or share in your own words. Together, as a community, we can make a difference.
Send a note
Please note that the family has said the cards people are sending are a beautiful gift to know that our community stands with them. If you'd like to write the family a card, you can send it to:
Christ the Servant
c/o MA
506 Via Appia Way
Louisville, CO 80027
Call your representatives
Our Colorado representatives are aware of the situation, but if they receive calls from their constituents, they may be more forthcoming with their overt support.
Donate
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Christ the Servant's Immigrant Host Team Fund is committed to paying for legal expenses for the family, and for any help with direct needs that come up. Should any funds remain after the family is reunited and stable, they will be used to help other families in similar situations.
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Colorado Immigrant Justice Fund: funds legal representation for folks who are detained
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CIRC (Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition) is leading the charge in our state in so many ways.
In Christ,
Marissa
Questions? Contact Marissa Seuc–Hester
| | | MADAGASCAR COMPANION SYNOD UPDATE | | | | |
On September 19, the home of Pastor Parouse, Vice President of Betela Seminary, burned to the ground. Fortunately, the family was not home at the time, but all of their possessions were destroyed. The home is in the process of begin rebuilt, however, the family needs support to replace their belongings.
To donate, go to: RMS Giving and select “Seeds of Hope Fund”
from the drop down menu
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The Certificate in Faith-rooted Community Organizing for Climate Justice
Applications Due: December 15
| The Certificate in Faith-rooted Community Organizing for Climate Justice equips teams of 3-6 people from faith-based organizations to engage their broader community in designing and implementing a climate justice project. This nine-month program is 100% online and follows a three-week cycle of full group workshops, team coaching, and implementation. By the end of the course, teams will have designed and conducted community listening campaigns to develop a project that helps their larger community address the climate crisis in ways that further economic, racial, and gender justice. |
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The Spanish-language Certificate in Climate Justice and Faith
Applications Due: November 28
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The PLTS Center for Climate Justice and Faith is accepting applications for our fourth cohort of the Spanish-language Certificate in Climate Justice and Faith until November 28, 2025. This online, cohort-based course equips faith leaders and lay leaders with the spiritual grounding, community of support, skills, and climate change knowledge needed to be effective advocates for climate justice.
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Questions? Contact Sarah Berg
Assistant Director, PLTS Center for Climate Justice and Faith
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Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) is the ELCA’s nationwide ministry with men, focused on intentional discipleship—helping men of all ages become bold, daring followers of Jesus through events, resources, and leadership development. Signature offerings include the Bold Gathering (worship, learning, and networking) and the One Year to Live retreat (a transformative, small-group–driven weekend), alongside local congregational support. Click on the button below for the LMM Fall communication.
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Questions? Contact Dave Newman
LMM Director of Networking and Communications
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Sunday, November 23, 2:00pm
Come join us at Advent Lutheran 7979 Meade St., Westminster, CO. Sunday, November 23rd at 2 P.M when Advent’s Fall Radio Plays will be performed live and online via our Facebook page in the Sanctuary. For more information please contact DennyT49@aol.com
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The first play is from the “Lights Out” series entitled “Little Old Lady” and the second is an “Inner Sanctum” Mystery, “The Dead Laugh.” Remember, these are very dramatic plays and are probably NOT acceptable for small children. A free will offering will be accepted with all proceeds going to Growing Home, a local not-for-profit organization, for their food bank.
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Rejoicing Spirits
11/23, 4–6pm: Epiphany Lutheran Church, Denver, Co
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.
| | | Share Your Story or Event | | |
Have a story you'd like to share? Or an upcoming event you want others to know about? Or how can we pray for you? Please submit them through the website [HERE]. If you’ve already submitted something and don’t see it listed, please email Synod Minister, Deacon Mary Stoneback at mstoneback@rmselca.org.
Note: Please complete as much of the event submission form as you can—I can only share the details you provide. Thank you! ~Deacon Mary
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| | Steve Eulberg is the husband of Pastor Connie Winter-Eulberg, who is newly back in the synod. Steve has had a recurrence of cancer. We pray for the steps of care ahead. May God bring understanding and peace that surpasses all understanding. | | | |
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Jonah, the son of Pastor Stephanie Lord of Christ the Servant in Louisville, Colorado, has been diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma. As a Synod, we lift up our prayers for him and his family.
Gracious and healing God,
We bring our brother Jonah before You—holding his body, mind, and spirit in Your tender care. Shine Your light into his struggle, renew his hope, restore his strength, and calm his fears. Grant him patience in waiting, courage in the unknown, and the assurance that You are with him at every moment. Guide his medical team with Your wisdom, surround his loved ones with Your peace, and help Jonah feel Your presence with each breath. We also pray for his family as they walk this path together—may they know Your steadfast presence and find peace amid uncertainty. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
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Gracious God,
We give thanks for our companion partners in Madagascar — the Mahajanga Synod, the Antsiranana Synod, the Sambava Synod, the Sofia Synod, and Betela Seminary.
Bless their ministry, strengthen their witness, and deepen our mutual partnership in the gospel. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
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We pray for Rostered Ministers not serving in a conference and Ministers on leave from call or disability
Gracious God,
we hold before You our rostered ministers not now in active service or on leave. Grant them peace in their pause, strength in their rest, and assurance of Your abiding call. Renew their spirits, uphold their hope, and remind them they are cherished in Your work. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
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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 Linden-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 | 7375 Samuel Drive | Denver, CO 80221 US |
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