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July16, 2026
generally published Tuesday of each week
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About the Synod Artwork
Artists who created this beautiful rendition of the Synod Logo include:
Vicki Dannhaus - Border Conference
Shelie Ingram - Utah Conference
Lynne Dohle - Colorado
Yvonne Wilken - Wyoming Conference
Read Artists' Statements
| | | July Message from the Bishop | | |
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:2
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Dear beloved in Christ in the Rocky Mountain Synod,
Over the past weeks of this summer, news of wildfires breaking out across the territory of our synod have kept many of us in a state of watchfulness, worry, tension, and grief. Members of our synod, and their neighbors, have endured evacuation of households and livestock. Homes and other properties have been lost, and three firefighters and a pilot working tirelessly to contain fires and protect life and property have tragically given their own lives in this effort. I know prayers have been arising throughout the synod for all those affected; and offers of help and support have also been coming into our synod office. Thank you for your generosity and care.
| |  | The Rocky Mountain Synod has faced disaster before; and we are blessed by the gifts and wisdom of synod members who can guide our response. Over the past two weeks, our staff have been reaching out to congregations closest to the largest fires, including in the Pueblo and Ridgway areas of Colorado. We have also reconvened our RMS Disaster Response team (including members who helped coordinate our response to the Marshall Fire) and added new members from currently impacted communities. [Please read on for more information regarding the fires and ways to help below]. | | GENEROSITY CONTINUES WITH SECOND FRUITS | | |
Many of you know that at our 2026 Synod Assembly in April, the assembly approved a synod budget that now includes the new Second Fruits initiative, a proposal to give away almost $2 million in grants over the next five years from designated funds received from congregation legacy gifts, property sales, and remaining grant and capital campaign funds. The name Second Fruits recognizes that these funds came from the initial generosity of countless faithful people to congregations and the synod; we are blessed to now have the opportunity to reinvest these generous gifts in local ministry efforts throughout our synod.
I am excited to share that the Rocky Mountain Synod Second Fruits initiative is now LIVE on our website, and applications are open for the first round of grants with an application deadline of August 15. Grants will be awarded in the categories of
- Ministry Development and Revitalization
- Leadership Development and Support
- Faith Formation
- Justice and Advocacy.
I encourage you to visit the Second Fruits page on our synod website for more details and a link to the application.
A word about process: All grants will be reviewed by a Second Fruits Discernment Committee that has been appointed by the Synod Council, and Synod Council will review the committee’s recommendations and give final approval to all disbursements.
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For this first grant cycle, the Second Fruits Discernment Committee will consist of synod council members elected to serve “at large,” convened by Pastor Chris Davis who as a member of synod staff will have voice but no vote.
This choice allows us to begin and complete a grant cycle by the end of this calendar year, which was a commitment of our synod assembly. It also means that those responsible for reviewing grants will be people already recognized and elected by the whole synod to represent the whole synod (as distinguished from synod council members who represent specific conferences), an approach we believe can enhance equity and fairness. After we complete our first round of applications and grants, we’ll be reviewing and evaluating the selection process. We’ll continue to learn as we go.
Prayers, too, are welcome for the ministry the Holy Spirit is stirring up throughout our synod, and the ways these grants can contribute to the new things God is doing.
July blessings to you all as you love and serve your neighbors, proclaim the Gospel, and find ways large and small to enjoy the beauty and abundance of God’s good creation in this summer season.
+In Christ
Bishop Meghan
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Upcoming Events & Employment Opportunities at a Glance
(Visit the Synod Event Calendar for More Information)
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Courtesy: Pueblo County Sheriff's Office
Authorities respond to the Aspen Acres Fire near the community of Beulah, in Pueblo County. June 29, 2026
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Wildfires continue to affect communities across the Rocky Mountain Synod, particularly in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. Families have faced evacuations and property loss, while firefighters and emergency responders continue working under dangerous conditions. National fire activity remains high, with dozens of large fires still uncontained across the country.
The RMS Disaster Response Team is active, connecting with congregations and community partners to identify needs and coordinate support.
Ways You Can Help
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Donations: many have asked where and how to offer financial gifts. The best way to do this is to:
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Find the green Give Now button on the top right corner of our RMS website
- Select “RMS Disaster Response” from the dropdown menu.
Regular congregational forms of giving will also work; please earmark the gift for RMS Disaster Response. Disaster Response team members have strongly affirmed from experience that financial gifts are far and away the most practical, flexible, and useful and offer the most help. Our Disaster Response Team will gather information on impact and need and will disburse gifts accordingly.
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Information: While we are working to proactively keep up with updates on all synod-area fires, we know our communities on the ground will always know the most about local impact, and we have been grateful to all who have checked in to share that information. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the synod office or any synod minister if you know of any congregation, member, or area affected by fire (or, as the season progresses, if flash flooding or other disasters crop up.)
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Prayer: Please continue to pray for first responders, for communities living through evacuation and those who are now returning to face damage and loss, and for all who are surrounding their neighbors with tangible and intangible measures of love, support, and generosity.
Learn More
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"In a community before known as a grave yard for churches, so many before having failed, a church stands on the corner of Charles and Lena, a vital church, a loving church, a growing church and it isn't going away too soon."
~Dick Engdahl
United Church of the San Juans
Ridgway, Colorado
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A Short History of United Church of the San Juans
The United Church of the San Juans in Ridgway, Colorado, is a part of the Metro West Conference and began in 2003 the result of three meetings held in the homes of Gary and Marge Wade and Mick and Kathy Graff by people in the area who expressed a need for a new church that was inviting, ecumenical, traditional, tolerant and spiritually alive. Most of the people were Presbyterian followed by Methodist, United Church of Christ and Lutheran with a few Baptist and Christian Church members.
Read More
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The Lutheran Center Has Sold
Great news! The sale of the Lutheran Center was finalized on Wednesday, July 8. We give thanks for everyone who faithfully managed the property and helped steward the sale process. More information about the proceeds to come.
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the Rocky Mountain Synod Second Fruits initiative is now LIVE on our website, and applications are open for the first round of grants with an application deadline of August 15. Grants will be awarded in the categories of:
- Ministry Development and Revitalization
- Leadership Development and Support
- Faith Formation
- Justice and Advocacy.
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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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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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“In ministering to young adults, you stand in the in-between, accompanying people as they wrestle with God and with one another — sometimes wrestling with God about people, and other times wrestling with people about God. This is holy space. Thank you for your ministry.”
~Bishop Meghan
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Did you know? The LuMin Lutheran Campus Ministry Network held their annual gathering at Iliff School of Theology June 22–26, 2026? The Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA was thrilled to welcome campus ministry leaders from all around the country, starting with hosting a snack break for those new to campus ministry.
Read More
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Shadin Nassar serves as the ELCA Regional Associate for the Middle East and North Africa, | |
Shadin Nassar to speak in the Rocky Mountain Synod!
Please register for one or more of these events:
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Tuesday, July 28, 6:30 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran in Denver (5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver). The presentation will be in Christ Chapel with refreshments to follow.
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Wednesday, July 29, 6 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran in Boulder, CO (2200 Broadway, Boulder, CO ). Dinner with Shadin will begin at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall with her presentation at 7pm in the Sanctuary.
- If you can't be there in person, a YouTube link will be available via the registration.
Register
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Decade of Climate Justice Action
At the April Synod Assembly, the RMS Voting Members overwhelmingly passed a resolution sponsored by our RMS creation care team in recognition of our human vocation to be better stewards of the earth. Click the link below to download a bulletin insert to share with your congregations to learn more about the resolution and how you can be a part of the action.
Download Resource
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Please keep Pastor Kristi Beebe in your prayers as she continues to live with anti-phospholipid syndrome and the effects of recurrent brain bleeds. After extensive evaluation at Mayo Clinic, there are no additional treatment options at this time beyond carefully managing her condition. Kristi asks for prayers that her health remains stable and does not worsen.
Pray for strength, wisdom for her medical team, peace in the midst of uncertainty, and God's sustaining presence each day.
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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. | | | | |
June 2026 ELCA Mission Support Memo | | What does my offering do? Resource | | |
We are excited to share an updated version of the "Mission Support: What Does My Offering Do?" flyer available for you to use and share. This resource is meant to help congregations and worshipping communities see how their offering becomes Mission Support and how that Mission Support impacts the ministry of the whole church through the churchwide organization.
Read More
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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 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 | 2323 E. Iliff Ave., | Denver, CO 80210 US |
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