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SYNOD ASSEMBLY 2026
Thursday April 23 – Saturday April 25
Hosted by Bethany Lutheran Church
4500 E. Hampden Avenue | Denver, Colorado
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Synod Assembly Communications for EVERYONE | | |
This year’s Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly centers on the theme “Vida en Cristo. Life in Christ,” inviting the synod to root its shared life in Jesus Christ. The theme emphasizes that life in Christ is lived not only in worship and church gatherings, but also in everyday callings—at home, at work, in service to neighbors, and in the ordinary rhythms of daily life.
Grounded in baptism, the Assembly highlights God’s grace, the Spirit’s renewing work, and the calling of all people to live out faith through love, service, justice, and peace. Scripture guiding the theme includes Romans 6:3–4 and Galatians 2:20.
| |  | This communication, and others to come, will highlight important updates and helpful information for everyone, whether you are attending as a Voting Member or simply staying connected. There is something for everyone, wherever you are in the synod. | Assembly Questions? Contact Deacon Mary Stoneback, Synod Minister for Strategic Communications & Events (mstoneback@rmselca.org) | | |
Monday March 23, 7pm Zoom
Monday April 13, 7pm Zoom
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How to Participate in the Synod Assembly & Voting Member Responsibilities
Is this your first time attending an Assembly? Have you always wondered what exactly it means to be a Voting Member? Join Parliamentarian, Kirby Glad, to learn how to participate in the Synod Assembly and be a responsible voting member.
Please note the following zoom gathering opportunities:
- Monday March 23, 7pm
- Monday April 13, 7pm.
Meeting ID: 494 372 9991
Passcode: Lutheran
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Nominations: Deadline Extension to March 27
Could God be nudging you, or someone you know, toward leadership in the Rocky Mountain Synod? Whether you live in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, El Paso or New Mexico, we invite you to prayerfully consider nominating yourself or another person for an open position on Synod Council or a synod committee.
Help shape the shared ministry and future of our synod. Open positions for youth and adults of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Click the button below for more information.
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Scholarship & Retiree Applications: Due March 31
It’s not too late to apply for a scholarship or be considered as a retiree voting member. Click the link below for more information.
Retiree voting members and scholarship recipients will be notified (on or before) April 5, 2026
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Calling all people to participate in the Synod Art Project!
Before and during the 2026 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly, everyone across the synod is encouraged to help create a hands-on, intergenerational art installation. The final product will be displayed at closing worship. Guided by Denver-based participatory artist Tara McConnell, individual contributions will come together as a shared witness to our life in Christ—many members, one body.
To help in the project, before the Assembly, Tara is requesting as many side profile photos as possible from individuals of all ages across the synod.
To join the project:
- Take a side profile photo of yourself, similar to the one below
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Email your photo to Tara McConnell McConnell.tara83@gmail.com, with your first and last name in the Subject line.
- Your photo will be turned into a silhouette for the project.
Questions? Contact Tara McConnell McConnell.tara83@gmail.com
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Join the Choir for Opening Assembly Worship
Join Bethany’s Chancel Choir for opening worship at the 2026 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly on Thursday, April 23. Space is limited, so please complete this form as soon as possible if you are interested. More details to come.
Questions? Kirk@Bethany-Denver.org
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Share Your Story by April 10
Your story is part of this year’s Assembly theme: Vida en Cristo. Life in Christ.
We invite you to share how you are experiencing God’s presence, love, and movement in everyday life. Stories and accompanying pictures shared may be featured in a variety of ways as part of the 2026 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly, helping us celebrate the many expressions of life in Christ across our synod.
| | All Are Welcome to Opening Worship | | Thursday April 23, 7:00PM | | |
We invite all to the Opening Worship of the 2026 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly:
- Thursday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave., Denver.
Come gather in worship as we begin Assembly weekend together, then stay for a dessert and wine reception following the service. We would love to welcome you!
| | Check Out the Assembly Schedule, Workshops & Exhibitors | | |
Discover Assembly Workshops with Practical Takeaways
Synod Assembly workshops are designed to offer more than ideas. They will provide practical takeaways participants can bring back to support their own ministry contexts.
Rooted in this year’s theme, Vida en Cristo / Life in Christ, these workshops invite leaders to learn, reflect, and leave with tools, strategies, and fresh encouragement for ministry in their congregations and communities.
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View the Assembly Schedule
Take a look at the Synod Assembly schedule. As plans continue to be finalized, this page will be updated frequently, so we encourage you to check it often for the latest schedule details.
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| Meet Our Assembly Keynote Speaker & ELCA Churchwide Representative | | Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi | | |
In this conversation, Dr. Kristina and Pastor Nate Preisinger, Pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church and lead for the Together4Good Podcast, unpack the following:
- Why vocation is more than employment
- How congregations discern their calling
- The difference between growth and vitality
- Why numbers don’t define faithfulness
- How “life in Christ” is a call to abundance, not scarcity
| | Imran Siddiqui, ELCA Vice President | | |
In this conversation, Imran Siddique and Pastor Nate Preisinger, Pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church and lead for the Together4Good Podcast, unpack the following:
- How congregations, synods, and churchwide leadership connect in the ELCA
- Why conversation and disagreement are essential for Christian community
- What “Life in Christ” looks like through unity and shared mission
- Why grace is central to Lutheran theology and still deeply relevant today
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How churches can speak more boldly about hope, compassion, and Creation Justice Ministries
| | Assembly Questions? Contact Deacon Mary Stoneback, Synod Minister for Strategic Communications & Events (mstoneback@rmselca.org) | | | | |
