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August 20, 2026
generally published Tuesday of each week
| | Synod Staff Transition Update | | |
Dear Rocky Mountain Synod,
As we continue to move through a season of transition in the Office of the Bishop, we are grateful for the people who are stepping in to support the ongoing ministry and work of the Rocky Mountain Synod.
Following the faithful ministry of Jon Johnson and Yvonne Wilken on our synod staff, several interim staff members are helping us learn, grow, and discern what staffing and support will look like in these areas moving forward. Jon and Yvonne will also continue some contracted work with the synod, offering important continuity and support during this transition.
We are especially grateful for a new partnership with our siblings in the Grand Canyon Synod. Theresa Thornburgh, who serves there as Director for Administration and Events, and Amy Birchard, their Finance Administrator, will now share some of their gifts and expertise with the Rocky Mountain Synod as well.
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Theresa and Amy already work closely together in the Grand Canyon Synod, and we are grateful to welcome them into this shared ministry with us.
Please join us in welcoming our interim staff:
We give thanks for each of them and for the many ways God continues to provide people, partnerships, and possibilities as we navigate this season together.
Read More
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Upcoming Events & Employment Opportunities at a Glance
(Visit the Synod Event Calendar for More Information)
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Portico 2027 Update from Bishop Meghan | | |
Dear colleagues and co-workers in the Gospel,
Today, Portico announced the 2027 rate increases and cost sharing adjustments.
I know that this announcement brings challenging news for many rostered ministers, congregations, and ministries, in our synod and across the ELCA.
While this increase is in line with national expectations across the health insurance industry, I recognize that many congregations and rostered ministers in the Rocky Mountain Synod will be faced with difficult conversations and decisions. These decisions encompass both the financial impact to the congregation and the health, well-being, and financial impact to those called to serve our church and their families. We also know that many people in our congregations and communities are concerned about the rapidly shifting, and often confusing landscape of health care coverage in their own lives.
Read More
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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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RMS Disaster Response Update
Thousands given to those affected by fires
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Members of the RMS Disaster Response Team: Cathy Jacobs, Pastor Katie Chullino, Pastor Alena Lamirato and Pastor Pam Challis, Melanie Nehls Burow, Yvonne Wilken, Pastor Tim Orlowski and Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni
After a little more than a month of meeting together as a team, we are grateful to share the following updates. First, we celebrate the response in Pueblo, Colorado, in partnership with King of Kings Lutheran Church. Together,
- We distributed $6,000 to seven very grateful families. The main fire danger is over, and everyone who was under extended evacuation has returned home. The three families who lost homes are doing okay for now and are planning to rebuild on-site.
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The RMS is sending a $5,000 gift from our Synod Disaster Response Fund to the Northwest Intermountain Synod of the ELCA to support wildfire response efforts in the Spokane area.
Read More
| Note: The speed with which we were able to distribute disaster response funds was made possible because the congregations involved were already enrolled in ACH payments with the synod. Click the button below to get your congregation enrolled today! | | | | |
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Update from Pastor Chris Davis, Director for Evangelical Mission – North, and Synod Minister for Generosity
Hello Friends in Christ!
I wanted to share an update on our Second Fruits Grants. Our first application season closed on August 15th, and we received over thirty applications across the four granting categories! As I have browsed the applications, I am overjoyed at the creativity in our synod and the desire to love and serve our neighbors. The Spirit is moving, and I’m enormously grateful for the thought, prayer, and discernment that has gone into these applications.
Read More
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The Rocky Mountain Synod is now on TikTok! As we accompany congregations participating in Caffeinated Church’s Equipping Congregations Project, we’re learning and experimenting right alongside them. The project is helping churches explore authentic digital storytelling and new ways to connect with Gen Z, Millennials, and those who may not encounter the church through traditional channels, including platforms like TikTok.
So, we decided it was time for the RMS to practice what we’re learning, too! Follow along as we share stories of faith, ministry, and life together across the Rocky Mountain Synod.
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RMS Congregation Feature
Grace Lutheran Church, COS
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RMS Congregation Feature
Shepherd of the Hills, Canon City, CO.
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"We would encourage other congregations to consider putting faith into action by supporting outdoor ministry. It is easier than you would think!"
~Becky Romano
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Canon City, Co.
| | The congregation of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Canon City has been sponsoring camperships for children to attend RTLC summer camp programs for over 10 years. Parents register their children online and pay the non-refundable deposit and complete an application with the church for the rest of cost. All applicants are eligible for funding if they are church attendees or directly related to a church member. The campership funds are not connected to the church operational budget but are financed by donations, including a memorial fund and 3-4 fundraising events each year. | | | "We are proud to say that our small congregation has given an average 10 young people a year the opportunity for a joyous faith experience on the mountain top. Our congregation believes that this brings God’s love and grace back down the mountain into both their hearts and ours. We would encourage other congregations to consider putting faith into action by supporting outdoor ministry. It is easier than you would think!" ~Becky Romano | | | | |
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Prince of Peace Donation Items Available
Colorado Springs, CO
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Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, held a Holy Closure service May 17, 2026. They have several items they are willing to donate.
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See LIST of donation items.
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Choir Robes Available for Pick-up
Colorado Springs, CO
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There are exactly 90 robes with detachable collars in a variety of sizes. They are in excellent condition. We were blessed with a generous donation from an anonymous donor who paid for all new robes. They will go to whoever contacts Teri first and they will need to come pick them up.
Interested? Contact Teri Swanner, Assistant to the Senior Pastor at First Lutheran Church 719-632-8836 Ext. 6045. Teri is generally at First between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
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Fall Theological Conference | | |
Registration is OPEN for this year's Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA Conference for Rostered leaders, Synodically Authorized Ministers (SAM), Theological Education for Emerging Ministry (TEEM) and guests. Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni invites you to get ready to be "Baptized in Muddy Waters", recognizing Jesus in times of change.
While it's not required, it is an expectation of our active rostered ministers. We recognize that costs can hinder participation. To help keep registration cost lower so travel and lodging costs are less taxing for participants—we are:
- Using funds remaining after the final tabulation of Synod Assembly revenue and expenses
- Pursuing additional sponsorships and grants
- Offering a limited number of host homes through Shepherd of the Mountains
- Leaving more meals open, giving participants flexibility to choose where they eat and enjoy fellowship together
- Continuing to explore gathering models that reduce overall conference expenses
These efforts keep registration below the 2024 fee of $400-$500, last year’s $200 fee and the projected cost of $250 per participant this year.
When: September 28–October 1, 2026
Where: Shepherd of The Mountains Lutheran Church, Park City, Utah.
Cost: $150/participant
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Leila M. Ortiz
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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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Excellence in Leadership
September Cohort
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE SEPTEMBER COHORT OF EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP!
Do you sense God is calling your ministry to something new? Do you feel there is a new way of being or of doing ministry in your faith community, but you don’t know what that is? Maybe it is an inner nudge, a spark, or an uneasiness that does not go away. Excellence in Leadership participants delve into five theories to journey to where God is leading. The path begins with listening and observing, and taking one faithful step at a time, continually going deeper, as you live into God’s new reality for your community.
Excellence in Leadership is a ministry born out of the need for courageous, resilient, and faithful people to lead in the church, in organizations, and in the world.
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Excellence in Leadership shares the belief that effective leadership begins with the individual and is honed in community.
This ministry helps each person learn how to appreciate who they are, how they are embodied, and manage the way they personally respond to challenges and conflict. In the process of doing this work, they are then able to show up more effectively in places of anxiety, conflict, and frustration. When leaders show up in healthy ways, they help others to respond in healthier ways.
Click on the link Excellence in Leadership to register for the 13 month cohort beginning in September, 2026. This Cohort will meet for 21 sessions via Zoom from 8:00 - 11:00 am on Mondays. The complete schedule is available on the website.
| | Questions? Email Exec. Director, Katie Emery at kemery@excellenceinleadership.org | | | | |
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Please watch and plan to show this important video, provided through ELCA Sumud.
It is the first of five “stolen stories” videos. Its theme is the history and context of pre-1948 to today from the perspective of Palestinian Christians.
Watch video 1 HERE.
To donate during the current crisis:
Lutheran Disaster Response, Middle East Crisis response, click HERE.
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Women of the ELCA
TRIENNIAL GATHERING REFLECTION
| | From left to right it is Maren Felde, Regine Pacheco, Diane Brauer, and Sarah Ogle. These three women were from Cheyenne. | |
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This summer, Women of the ELCA gathered in Des Moines, Iowa, for the 13th Triennial Gathering, “I Am Worthy.” Held July 16–19 and rooted in Psalm 139:14, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made", the gathering brought women together from across the church for worship, inspiring speakers, workshops, service, fellowship, and renewal. The theme invited participants to celebrate their God-given worth and recognize the Holy Spirit at work bringing healing and restoration in our lives, the church, and the world.
Diane Brauer, pictured above and below, is a member of Community of Joy Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and currently serves on the board of the Rocky Mountain Synodical Women’s Organization. A longtime leader with Women of the ELCA, Diane served on the churchwide executive board from 2005–2011 and was a member of the ELCA’s Women and Justice: One in Christ Task Force, which helped develop the social statement Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action. She continues to share her gifts through leadership, writing, and active involvement in Women of the ELCA.
Read Diane's Triennial Gathering Reflection
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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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Our hearts hurt as we share the news of the death of Deacon Linda Bobbitt. We give thanks to God for Linda’s life, her faithful ministry, and the many ways she shared Christ’s love with the church and the world. We hold Linda’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who loved her in prayer in this time of loss.
Gracious God, we give you thanks for the life and ministry of your servant Linda. Surround all who mourn with your comfort and peace. Hold Linda in your eternal love, and strengthen us in the sure and certain hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial Service Details:
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Friday, August 28, 12:00 PM at First in Longmont (803 3rd Ave, Longmont, CO 80501)
- Reception following the service
- Clergy are invited to vest. Color of the day will be green
- Join in via the livestream link
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Please keep our colleagues Sonja and Joel Pancoast, and their whole family in their prayers as they grieve the loss of Sonja's sister in law, Sarah Gall. Sarah was diagnosed with a rare and terminal cancer at the beginning of July, and died this past week. It was very sudden and very quick.
At this point, one way to tangibly support the family is through the Gofundme set up to support Sarah's family. You can find that here: Fundraiser for Soren Gall by Colin Strub : Support Sarah Gall and Family Through Their Cancer Journey
We'll be in touch with more ways to support as we learn more. Thank you for your prayers and for the love you send to the Pancoast family.
Service Details:
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August 29, 12:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church (815 East 16th Street, Loveland, Colorado 80538)
- Inurnment and a luncheon reception follows the service.
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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. | | |
Mark Your Calendars: Registration Open September 1 for the ILLUMIN8 Conference
We will be conducting our inaugural ILLUMIN8 Conference with the theme, Lead Like Jesus, January 26-28, 2027.
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.
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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.
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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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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Dear Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA,
Worship shapes us. Through prayer, song, scripture, preaching, and gathering around the table, we encounter God's grace and are formed as disciples. At ReconcilingWorks, we are committed to providing resources that help faith communities create worship experiences that reflect God's expansive love and affirm the dignity and belovedness of people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Whether you are planning worship, preparing a sermon, leading a Bible study, or looking for resources to celebrate your Reconciling in Christ partnership, we invite you to explore our growing collection of worship, liturgy, and scripture resources.
Read More
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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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Jon Johnson (he/him), Synod Minister for Finance and Human Resources, finance@rmselca.org
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Rev. Diana Linden, Synod Minister for Lay and Rostered Leadership, 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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