On Sunday, Sept. 11, congregations of the ELCA will join for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, our dedicated day of service. As we continue our tradition of service to our neighbor, we remember the words of Martin Luther: “Our faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing.” 

Click here to share your activities, experiences, and photos from GWOH Day 2022 so we may share them in eConnection!

GWOH Hymn

A hymn titled “God’s Work, Our Hands,” written by Wayne Wold, was selected as the winning entry in the ELCA’s “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday hymn contest in 2019. More than 120 entries were submitted to be considered as a hymn for the ELCA’s annual dedicated day of service. The selected hymn represents the official tagline of the ELCA and expresses how the people of this church live in service for the life of the world. The selected hymn includes music to a familiar tune as well as music to an original composition. The hymn is available as a year-round worship resource.  

ZOOM EVENT THIS SATURDAY

Discerning a Call to Ministry

Are you ready for Seminary?

Saturday, September 10, 9:00am - 1:00pm MT

You are invited to a Zoom discernment and information event jointly hosted by all seven seminaries of the ELCA. The agenda includes group discernment activities and reflection, presentations about seminary programs and contextual education, and a current student panel. Please register by September 6.

Announcing the next Generosity Watch Parties

One more event on September 24

Join in for resources and connections that inspire and empower a culture of generosity!

The Watch Parties are on Zoom from 10:00am to 11:15am on these three Saturdays:

July 30: "Practice Gratitude"

August 27: "Not Stewardship in a Box"

September 24: "Abundance Mindset"

Our time together is led by RMS staff, GSB Fundraising consultants, 3E leaders, EiL leaders and invited guests. Each presentation also provides a curated follow-up packet of relevant online resources on these topics from the Center for Generosity. Please register and you will receive the Zoom link prior to the session. Watch Party Registration

Questions? Contact Deb Elstad, 3E Associate Director for Stewardship at [email protected] or Tina Kvitek, RMS Director of Development at [email protected].

Excellence in Leadership - It is for YOU!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 25

Another year of programming is beginning for our congregations across the Rocky Mountain Synod. As the tasks and commitments mount and schedules fill up, you might be thinking, "I don't have time for one more thing to add to my already busy schedule". We are overcommitted, we are tired, we are frazzled and we are in many ways spiritually spent. So, in light of that, Excellence in Leadership may feel like "just another thing that I don't have time for".

However, we would like to offer an alternative perspective. As a people and as individuals who feel scattered and dis-membered, Excellence in Leadership does not just provide tools and lectures, it provides a deep spiritual experience to build up in each of us resilience to persevere and safe spaces for hard conversations. It provides spiritual practices to help ground us when we are frazzled. It helps us to re-member who we are - individually and communally.

Thank you! to these congregations who have given to the Next Faithful Step campaign!

In addition to the 120+ individuals/families who have contributed to the campaign, making the Messiah Mountain Retreat Center renewal possible, we celebrated the RMS congregations who have shared campaign gifts of generosity:

Congregational Endowments & Foundations

Augustana Lutheran Church Foundation, Denver, CO

Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation, Denver, CO

Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church Endowment, Dillon CO

Congregations

First Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs CO

Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield, CO

Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Greeley CO

Shepherd of the Mountain Lutheran Church, Estes Park, CO

St Paul Lutheran Church, Albuquerque NM

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Arvada, CO

St. Marks Lutheran Church, Aurora, CO

Zion's Lutheran Church, Trinidad, CO

Gifts from Holy Closure Congregations

Christ Lutheran Church, Cheyenne WY

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Boulder CO

More information about the campaign and how to give.

2022 Theological Conference

Sept 19-22, Park City, Utah

This year’s Theological Conference is Monday, September 19 at 4:00 p.m. until Thursday, September 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the DoubleTree in Park City, UT, and Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church.

Registration is now closed. Please contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo at [email protected] or 303.970.0259 with questions.

More information on visiting Park City

More information about our hotel: The DoubleTree - Yarrow

RMS HUNGER MINISTRY TEAM

"Thirsting for Water"

Saturday, September 17

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Are you wondering exactly what to think about the climate crisis and widespread drought whose stories fill our headlines almost daily? Where is God in all this news? What are the actual facts of the situation? What is a holy response we can undertake?

The Rocky Mountain Synod has an event coming up that will help you learn, discuss, ponder and consider personal actions to address this crisis and its impact on food production and hunger. You're invited to Thirsting for Water: At the Intersection of Climate, Water, and Hunger. It will take place September 17 from 9 am to 3 pm at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CO, and via Zoom.

The registration link is live now at rmselca.org/events/thirstingforwater. Cost is $25 per person on-site (includes lunch) and $15 for Zoom participants. Register now! 

Take Action and Take our Congregational Survey!

The Hunger Network submitted a resolution at the 2022 RMS Synod Assembly and it passed unanimously! The resolution calls upon congregations to take concrete steps to: increase their support of local hunger ministries, increase their awareness of hunger and poverty issues through educational resources developed by ELCA World Hunger, and to increase opportunities to financially support the work of ELCA World Hunger.

Here is a flyer with suggestions for how to implement this resolution in your congregation. AND click the button below to take the Congregational Hunger Ministry Survey. 

7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO 80221

Zoom ID: 992 2724 5869

Passcode: 274795

"You are not alone! Join us every Third Thursday for our RMS Faith Formation Network meetings! (next meeting is Sept 13)

We are primarily online now due to the surge of COVID cases. Stay in the loop with all things Children Youth and Family Faith Formation in the Rocky Mountain Synod!"

FROM VICKY DAUB, VSCP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

" We Are All Here"

“Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” Recently, I read these words from Acts 16:28 as part of the reading during worship for the 7^th Sunday of Easter. I kept re-reading them as I practiced. In my role as the Executive Director of the Veteran Servant Corps Project (VSCP), I have been thinking about the phrase “we are all here”, especially in terms of the 18+ Veterans who complete suicide daily in our nation. Raising awareness about this issue is one our VSCP tenets. Are you and your congregation interested in joining in conversation around this important issue? Contact me, Vicky Daub, at [email protected].

Are you interested in being part of our “We Are All Here” initiative by donating? Click here then select the General Fund Gift option, enter "Veteran Servant Corps Project" in the note/memo line. If you prefer to mail a donation, send it to the Rocky Mountain Synod, 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO 80221, adding Veteran Servant Corps Project to the note portion of your check.

Upcoming VSCP Events

ONLINE MEETINGS

Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness with Children and Teens

Thursday, September 22, 7:00-8:00 pm

“Our kids are not okay. Our children and youth are hurting!” Those who know this are also hurting. You are invited to join a series of Thursday Evening Connections about the books, Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence on Mental Illness and Teens and Children, and the “Survival Guide” by the Rev. Sarah Lund. These books shake up any lethargy about the plight of our youth’s mental health. We are in a crisis. Our facilitator is Deborah Berghuis, PhD, a trauma-informed, gender-affirming therapist who enjoys working with the members of the LGBTQA+ community, faith leaders, clinicians, and healthcare professionals.

Join the zoom conversation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220.

On Sunday, October 9 from 3:00pm - 5:30pm, Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund, while on medical leave, will be featured in a pre-recorded message to offer the context for our program. We will engage with a panel including youth and adults and five Breakout sessions (schools, families, and faith communities, including suicide prevention and LGBTQA concerns), all in person. Registration info to follow.

This series is hosted by Atonement Lutheran Church, Boulder, Mental Health Ministry, and the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (inmi.us). Questions, contact [email protected].

WHEATRIDGE,CO

Fall Festival at

Glory of God Lutheran

October 1, 10:00am - 3:00pm

Presenting quality family activities and a truly unique Fall experience! Fall is around the corner and there is no better place to experience this wonderful season than at our Fall Festival. Ease your way into Autumn with some Family Fun for Everyone!

We will kick-start the season with lots of family activities and games. From live music performances, a car show, reptile petting zoo and a children’s art exhibit to a cake walk and a bake sale, there will be a variety of fun activities for the whole family and Food Trucks!

Admission is FREE! Please bring a pair of new shoes for the Wholly Kicks non-profit (Children’s or Adult) or canned food for Bienvenidos Food Bank.

For more information, please visit GloryOfGodChurch.net

Glory of God Lutheran Church, 12200 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO

(303) 421-2721

FOR FAITH FORMATION LEADERS

Growing Young Summit

Saturday, October 1 & Sunday, October 2

Bethany Lutheran, 4500 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO

(303) 758-2820

Giving thanks for the Rev. Dan Erlander, beloved pastor and author

The Rev. Dan Erlander, born December 10, 1938, died August 28, 2022, in Seattle Washington. He was ordained in 1966 and served as one of the pastors at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from 1975 to 1981. He is widely known for the booklets he wrote and illustrated including Baptized We Live and Manna and Mercy which are still used in many congregations in our synod and throughout the ELCA. A memorial service in being planned for October at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynwood, Washington. We give thanks for his life and ministry.

More information at caringbridge.org/visit/danielerlander

Tailgating for CSU Football Games

Starting 4 hours before each CSU home football game.

Park at LuMin - Lutheran Campus Ministry (805 S Shields St, Fort Collins) for each of the home CSU football games. Contact Pastor Paul at [email protected] if you would like to reserve a spot for the whole season for $100 or $20 per game. Or just come by on game day for a good spot to park and know your $20 is supporting faith-filled young adults attending college. Tailgate out of your own car, come into the newly renovated building, enjoy clean bathrooms, or use the barbecue grill on the back deck and play some corn-hole.

Questions, send email to [email protected] or visit lcmcsu.org.

Season of Creation 2022

September 1 through October 4

This year's symbol is the burning bush. Today, the prevalence of unnatural fires are a sign of the devastating effects that climate change has on the most vulnerable of our planet. Creation cries out as forests crackle, animals flee, and people are forced to migrate due to the fires of injustice. On the contrary, the fire that called to Moses as he tended the flock on Mt. Horeb did not consume or destroy the bush. This flame of the Spirit revealed God’s presence. This holy fire affirmed that God heard the cries of all who suffered, and promised to be with us as we followed in faith to our deliverance from injustice.

Creator of All,

From your communion of love your Word went forth to create a symphony of life that sings your praise.

By your Holy Wisdom you made the Earth to bring forth a diversity of creatures who praise you in their being. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

You called human beings to till and keep your garden. You placed us into right relationships with each creature so that we could listen to their voices, and learn how to safeguard the

conditions for life. But we turn in on ourselves and away from our co-creatures.

We close our ears to the counsel of our fellow creatures. We fail to listen to the cries of the poor and the needs of the most vulnerable. We silence the voices of those who hold the traditions that teach us to care for the Earth. We close our ears to your creative, reconciling and sustaining Word that calls to us through the Scriptures.

We lament the loss of our fellow species and their habitats that will never speak again. We grieve the loss of human cultures, along with the lives and livelihoods that have been displaced or perished. Creation cries out as forests crackle, and animals alike flee the fires of injustice

that we have lit by our unwillingness to listen.

In this Season of Creation, we pray that you would call to us, as from the burning bush, with the sustaining fire of your Spirit. Breathe upon us. Open our ears and move our hearts. Turn us from our inward gaze. Teach us to contemplate your creation, and listen for the voice of each creature declaring your glory. For “faith comes from hearing.”

Give us hearts to listen for the good news of your promise to renew the face of the Earth.

Enlighten us with the grace to follow the Way of Christ as we learn to walk lightly upon this holy ground. Fill us with the hope to quench the fires of injustice with the light of your healing love that sustains our common home.

In the name of the One who came to proclaim good news to all creation, Jesus Christ.

Amen

In this Season of Creation, this symbol of God’s Spirit calls us to listen to the voice of creation. Learn more at seasonofcreation.org.

Faster Pastors to Run 165-Mile Mountain Relay for Wildfire Survivors

September 9-10

Since the Rocky Mountain Synod has been hit so hard by fires in recent years, the Faster Pastors have decided to run for victims and survivors of fires throughout the synod. Funds given for the cause will provide basic needs for survivors of wildfires, which include food and temporary housing, mental health and trauma resources, and rebuilding, insurance, and material goods replacement.

The Faster Pastors will be running the Flaming Foliage Relay again from Idaho Springs to Buena Vista on September 9-10, covering 165+ miles, 30 legs, and 3 mountain passes. The Faster Pastors expect to finish in about 30 hours, running nonstop through the night. As we run, we will be thinking about the areas around our synod that have been devastated by wildfires, praying for survivors, and sharing our story of support and recovery with other teams and runners.

Two ways to support the Faster Pastors:

1. Contact a member of the Faster Pastors team to ask how contributions can be made to support them.
2. We are in need of one volunteer to help marshal the course. Let Joel Pancoast at [email protected] know if you are interested or want more information.

From their 2022 Strategic Plan: "The Northeastern Minnesota Synod is filled with faithful people curious about the world that is unfolding before our eyes. There is a real opportunity to find ways to share our faith in Jesus with those around us that have not been raised in the faith. There is an urgency for us to build on our strengths in faith formation as we create new ways of supporting our young people and their families. It is our prayer that every congregation in the synod ask hard questions about their own purpose, values, and goals."

The Reverend Amy J. Odgren, was elected Bishop in August 2020. Visit nemnsynod.org.

Click here for a map of our 65 ELCA synods and 9 regions.