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Together we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.



FEBRUARY 23, 2022

A RECONCILING IN CHRIST SYNOD

VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER

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3E: Eggplant, Eels, and Escargot?

3E is for you, 3E is for us.


Recently, a pastor wrote about one of our 3E programs, Stewardship for All Seasons: “We learned that we had focused on scarcity vs generosity. It totally changed how we look at stewardship and the way we talk and think about money at church.”


That’s a profound shift in focus: living from trust in God’s abundance rather than in fear of “running out” or “not having enough” or even “being enough.” Together, the best way of being, we can experience the joy of this new outlook.   


3E is for you, 3E is for us. We’ve been saying that for years and we rediscover each year how true that is. 3E’s programs, funded by the generosity of the people of the Rocky Mountain Synod in partnership with the Lilly Endowment, aim to change our culture around money in the Rocky Mountain Synod.


So what DOES 3E stand for if not "Eggplant, Eels, and Escargot?" It's for Educate, Equip, and Enact!

3E operates in four integrated pillars:


We invite you to explore the programs and ministries of 3E. We want to hear from you and add your story to those who have experienced blessing through 3E.


For more information about 3E and how you might become a part, contact Pastor Michael Tassler, Program Director at Contact 3E.

3E Lilly Grant requires us to match grant funds!


The grants from the Lilly Foundation have resulted in profoundly meaningful support for congregations and ministers.


Our "Next Faithful Step" campaign is our mechanism for raising those matching funds.


Learn more about the campaign, share the invitation with your congregation, and make a pledge!


Campaign Info


MARSHALL FIRE:

Connect. Pray. Love.


Connect. Pray. Love. is an opportunity for your faith community to focus on Marshall Fire survivors for one week in 2022 by:

  • Connecting with Christ the Servant Church (Louisville, CO) and Trinity Lutheran Church (Boulder, CO) by sharing our story
  • Praying for those affected by the Marshall Fire
  • Sharing gifts of love


CONNECT

Feel free to share our story and Pastor Stephanie Lord’s video on your website, in your newsletter, and/or during worship. Stephanie Lord is the pastor of Christ the Servant Church. Her home was destroyed in the fire. 

https://youtu.be/JEo8ZHclKjA


PRAY

We would appreciate prayers for Marshall Fire survivors during your week. We will let our members know that you are praying for us so we can pray for you too.


LOVE

We welcome acts of love to support us on this difficult journey. We are not accepting in-kind donations. Most of us have returned home; we have our belongings. Those who are displaced are living in temporary housing and do not have room for clothing, handmade items, or household items etc. We would welcome things like:

  • A video message from your community
  • A video of your choir or children’s choir singing
  • Photos of your kids drawing pictures on your sidewalk for our kids
  • Poems, cards, or other inspirational messages
  • A video of your pastor’s sermon talking about the Marshall Fire survivors 
  • Financial contributions to Christ the Servant, Trinity Lutheran Church, Rocky Mountain Synod or Lutheran Disaster Response
  • Other creative, fun ideas
Sign up for Connect. Pray. Love.

Please be reminded that no tangible items are needed at this time. The storehouses are overflowing with generous donations.

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The Rhythm of the Saints

finding the beat for ministry and service in post-covidian times


2022 Synod Assembly

May 9-11, 2022


Loveland, Colorado

Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center

2 p.m. on Monday, May 9 through noon on Wednesday, May 11


We will gather for worship and fellowship to grieve the losses of these past two years and to celebrate one another in the Spirit that has kept us moving!


Questions? Concerns? More Information? Please contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo. Registration deadline is April 1.

Resolutions/Memorials, Ministry Magazine, and Display Tables


The deadline is March 1 to submit your intent to submit a resolution/memorial, to reserve a page on our annual "ministry magazine," and to reserve a display table. These opportunities are open to recognized RMS and ELCA ministries and organizations.


COVID Protocol


As part of registration, all assembly participants will be required to upload proof of "up-to-date" vaccinations and boosters as appropriate for the individual's age. Other COVID protocols will be determined closer to the event.


Are you are retired pastor or deacon and want to attend as a voting member?


There is still space for retired pastors/deacons to attend! Contact [email protected] for more information.



Nominations and Elections


The deadline for nominations is March 22. Nominations are open for these positions:


ELCA Church Council (Young Adult male or non-binary)


Synod Council

  • One (lay or rostered) from the North Colorado Conference
  • One (lay or rostered) from the Utah Conference
  • One (lay or rostered) from the North New Mexico Conference
  • One (lay or rostered) from the Metro East Conference
  • One At-Large lay male or non-binary
  • One At-Large lay female or non-binary
  • One Youth
  • Two from ethnic-specific congregations


Consultation Committee (1 lay male or non-binary, 1 minister of Word and Sacrament)


Discipline Committee (2 lay males or non-binary, 2 male or non-binary ministers of Word and Sacrament)


Mission Outreach Board (6)


Congregational Ministries Board (4)


Global Mission Committee (1)


Campus Ministry Committee (3)

Assembly Information and Registration

RMS & ELCA news and events

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SEEKING VOLUNTEERS!

Prep and Paint Days at Messiah Mountain on February 26 and March 5


Pictured is the "before" and we need you to help us get to the "after" on Saturdays February 26 and/or March 5 at 9 a.m.. We'll be removing cupboard doors and hardware and sanding as we prep for painting the cupboards. We'll also be beginning the first coat of wall painting throughout. Sign up for our Work Days on one or both days! Lunch provided so you can stay into the afternoon, as time allows.


Messiah Mountain is being renovated to be our new place of spiritual renewal for adults. It's nearby in Indian Hills, just west of Denver. Map the location.


Gifts to the Rocky Mountain Synod "Next Faithful Step" campaign are funding this renewal! Learn about the campaign and give a gift here: rmselca.org/next-faithful-step

Sign up for Paint Day/s
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Next Online event is February 26

RSVP now for free GENEROSITY watch parties


You are invited to participate in our upcoming GENEROSITY WATCH PARTIES! We have selected topics that people have been hungry for, and will bring a power packed hour of information at each Zoom session that will cover important technical aspects, critical adaptive components, and the spiritual grounding that centers and connects us all to God’s work!

 

These sessions are open to rostered and lay leaders throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod at NO COST.

 

Topic: STORYTELLING  

Saturday, February 26 at 10:00am

 

Topic: GENEROSITY AND THE BUDGET

Saturday, March 26 at 10:00am


Register and you will receive the Zoom link prior to the session.

Questions? Contact Tina Kvitek, RMS Development Director or Deb Elstad, RMS 3E Associate Director of Stewardship.

Watch Party Registration
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Congregations invited to pledge to the RMS Campaign


Having already raised over $1 million to fund the First Step of our campaign, let's journey together into the future and top our Next Faithful Step Campaign goal of $1.57 million through gifts from congregations, foundations, endowments, and individuals!


In order to boldly and effectively continue our vital witness to the gospel as we journey together into the future, the Rocky Mountain Synod Council is investing in four ministry initiatives that form our Next Faithful Step, along with our Racial Justice Tithe.

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TRIFOLD BROCHURE

Summary of the four initiatives and the Racial Justice tithe:

Excellence in Leadership

Messiah Mountain Retreat Center

3E Lilly Grant

Lutheran Center



Watch a video about each initiative
Campaign Information & Resources
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JOIN THE LAST 'STEWARDSHIP FOR ALL SEASONS' COHORT!

What does the past year mean to the beginning of culture change?


3E is in the final year of the generous Lilly Endowment grant that has helped fund Stewardship for All Seasons (SAS). Here’s what pastors and congregation leaders have said about the impact of SAS:

 

  • You helped me understand how my offering has an impact in the congregation and outside it.
  • Learned that we focused on scarcity vs generosity. Totally changed how we look at stewardship and the way we talk and think about money at church.
  • SAS provides a year-round plan … to help members live and give generously.
  • We used the process to really focus on our mission goals and began communicating more clearly who we are as the people of God and what God called us to do.
  • We could tell there was positive, thoughtful movement of the Spirit!

 

We are recruiting the last cohort for 3E’s Stewardship for All Seasons to begin May 21. The value of SAS is evident in the reflections above. The process of getting from “training,” which is about transmitting knowledge or information, to culture-changing “learning,” is about the process of absorbing information to build skills that can be used in a variety of contexts. It is our ongoing hope that SAS have become transformative learning about generosity in our life together.

 

If you have interest in joining this last cohort, there are places available for first-time SAS congregations in Year 1 and also places for congregations who have completed SAS Year 1 and want to further their generosity culture-changing by participating in SAS Year 2. Contact Deb Elstad or submit this webform: https://rmselca.org/express-interest-3e-sas-final-cohort-2022.

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Ten $100 Scholarships Available

White Privilege Conference

March 9-12


The Privilege Institute (TPI) provides challenging, informative, and practical strategies to equip and empower people, organizations, institutions, and communities committed to action and accountability related to issues of diversity, power, privilege, and leadership.


This year's annual conference is in person at Charlotte, North Carolina, or online. The registration fee is the same. The Rocky Mountain Synod Council is making available ten $100 scholarships to attend either in person or online.


Information and registration is available. If you would like to be one of the first ten to request a scholarship, please email Pastor Barbara Berry-Bailey.

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Lutheran Men in Mission


One Year to Live is NOT your typical men’s retreat!

Developed by LMM in partnership with Lyman Coleman, pioneer of small group ministry, CEO and founder of Serendipity Publishing House. The One Year to Live retreat is designed to be a life changing, lay led event.


Consider attending the upcoming One Year to Live retreat that will be held at Camp Santa Maria in Grant, CO from April 22-24.

Retreat information & registration form

Online registration and payment option 

Visit the new RMS Lutheran Men in Mission webpage!

Veteran Servant Corps Project

Get our new brochure: A Time to Reconnect!

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Share the new Veterans Servant Corps Project brochure! Get it here: print or online version.


March 20 Vicky Daub is visiting Bethel Lutheran, Aurora, CO and will deliver a Temple Talk during the 9:30am worship service where Pastor Barb Lemke will be preaching.


April 22-24 – VSCP first Veterans Couples retreat at Rainbow Trail Lutheran camp. This retreat is free for any/all Veteran couples. Interested in participating? Click here to contact Vicky Daub.


Have Veterans events at your church/community that you would like to publicize; want Vicky or another VSCP board member to visit your church/community? Contact Vicky Daub.

Visit the VSCP web page

in our prayers

Transfiguration of Our Lord

Last Sunday after Epiphany

February 27, 2022


Prayer of the Day

Holy God, mighty and immortal, you are beyond our knowing, yet we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Transform us into the likeness of your Son, who renewed our humanity so that we may share in his divinity, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.


In God's Hands:

Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches

27 February - 05 March : Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands

Intercessions and Prayers


Join us in daily prayer

Download ELCA Prayer Ventures for daily guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world.

ELCA Prayer Ventures



RMS Prayer Cycle


BORDER CONFERENCE

Week of February 27


St Timothy Lutheran Church

El Paso, TX

 

 

Trinity Lutheran Church

Las Cruces, NM

Rev. Catherine Lemons

 

Trinity Lutheran Church

Hobbs NM



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Ordinations


Wylie Cook

All Saints Lutheran Church, Wales, WI

Saturday, March 26 at 11:00am

Wylie is called to serve as associate pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver, CO

Color of the day is Red


Samm Melton Hill

St Paul Lutheran Church, Arlington, MA

Sunday, April 3 at 6:00pm

Samm is called to serve Highlands, Denver, CO

Color of the day is Red

Installations


Deacon Korra Looschen

St Philip, Littleton, CO

Sunday, Feb 27 at 5:00pm

Color of the day is White


Pastor Kate Davidson

Lord of the Mountains, Dillon, CO

Saturday, March 19, 3pm

Color of the day is Purple


Pastor Pam Challis

Trinity, Boulder CO

Sunday, March 20 1pm

Color of the day is Purple

Monthly Prayer Cycle

around the synod

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AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS:

SYNERGY OF STRATUS I: For the Love of Friends

Saturday, February 26 @ 7:30pm

Augustana Lutheran Church (5000 E. Alameda Ave.)


Enter code WelcomeBack2022 at checkout for $10 OFF all ticket price levels.


Join the Stratus Chamber Orchestra as they perform Austro-German classical and romantic works by master composers - Haydn, Brahms, Mendelssohn, and C. Schumann.


Plus, Stephanie Cheng, pianist, will perform the celebrated composition written and premiered by Clara Wieck Schumann, Robert's wife, who was considered to be one of the great pianists of the day. 


Learn about the respected and very special relationships between all four composers as colleagues, family, and friends.


Guest Conductor, Catherine Sailer, will bring their stories to life as Status comes together for ONE NIGHT ONLY to perform Haydn Symphony No. 19 in D Major, Brahms Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Clara Schumann Concerto for Piano in A minor, Op. 7, and Mendelssohn Overture to Ruy Blas Op. 95. 

Purchase tickets for "For the Love of Friends"
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AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS:

The Concordia Choir at Colorado Springs and Denver


You are invited to experience one of America's finest choirs in concert-- seen nationwide on public television and heard in Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, and across the country-- the 69-voice a cappella Concordia Choir as they are on their 2022 spring tour!


  • Colorado Springs on Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church: Tickets
  • Denver, Colorado on Friday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church: Tickets

our life together

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Making something old, new again!

Pew Flipping Competition 2022


LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP IS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24 AT 11:59 P.M.!


Similar to the popular TV Show ‘Flea Market Flip’, we are calling for crafty/creative teams from all corners of the RMS to sign up and compete in our “Pew Flipping Competition.” We have a few rows of solid wood pews that will be removed from the Lutheran Center Sanctuary to accommodate our renovation plans.


The flipped pews will be auctioned off at this year’s Synod Assembly! Each team will name an ELCA Charity or related Ministry Partner they will be playing for.


Each team will be provided a small (~2 person sized, 5' to 6') pew section. You must use a 'majority' of the pew material provided to either make something artistic, or create something entirely different. You are allowed to supplement your flip with whatever materials/supplies the team deems necessary. There are no limitations on the tools or flip methods you can use to carry out your vision. Contact Tina Kvitek for more information.

Information and Registration for Pew Flipping Competition
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Accepting Full-Time Volunteer Applications: Priority Deadline, March 1!


Service! Intentional Community! Simplicity! Spirituality! If these values are important to you, consider joining the Urban Servant Corps community in Denver, CO.

At USC, we believe that service is transformational -- it creates the opportunity for shared humanity and to faithfully respond to one another's needs. We also believe that in community, we are able to live more faithful, simple lives that are in service to one another. Our full-time volunteers live in an intentional community house in downtown Denver with others who are committed to social justice, racial justice, and accompanying vulnerable populations. Food, housing, health insurance, a monthly stipend and an annual "growth and development" allotment are provided. Additionally, Spiritual Direction, alumni mentorship, and professional development opportunities are offered as part of this experience.


Are you a young adult dedicated to social justice and a simpler way of life? Are you someone who hopes to explore or deepen your faith? Are you seeking experience in the non-profit/ministry field? Then visit www.urbanservantcorps.org!

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Co-Sheltering Conference: Housing humans and animal companions together

Tuesday, March 1 through Thursday, March 3, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.


My Dog Is My Home seeks "to increase access to shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness with companion animals. By securing their ability to maintain their most important relationships and find adequate shelter, we ensure every family’s right to build a home."


This Co-Sheltering Conference will have great speakers, workshops and storytelling. On Thursday of the conference, there will be a workshop called "Partnering with Faith Communities." Please join the conversation and learn how you too can be an innovator in this way of serving and expand care for those experiencing homelessness with animal companions. Who knows, maybe YOUR congregation has the resources/facility to help. Register here, online today!

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ONLINE EVENT

The Book of Hope Discussion

April 9 at 10:00am


Join the Creation Care Team to discuss "The Book of Hope," a great read for Lent and is perfect to discuss right before Easter. Focus on one chapter a week during Lent or read the whole thing in one sitting. This book will also have us well prepared for Earth Day on April 22. The book is very easy to read and remarkably enjoyable. Jane reminds us that there is hope and to not be afraid, and we will reflect on that in our Lutheran context. Read more about "The Book of Hope" here.


Join on Zoom at us02web.zoom.us/j/83008940316

Questions, email [email protected]

resources

Stories and puppets for ministry!

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Joni Lundin McNamara lives in Dubois, WY, and is a longtime ELCA writer and creator of children's ministry resources. She writes Bible Stories for Young Readers, ages 6-12.


She is the author of Bible Stories according to Tuffy Turtle and The Gospel according to Tuffy Turtle. Her website also has some great resources for puppet ministry scripts and lesson plans. Her books are on sale through April 2022.

Visit Joni's Website

Lenten Resources from ELCA World Hunger

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We invite you to study, pray, reflect and give with us during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving — for our families, our neighbors and communities around the world.


As the world has reeled from the effects of a deadly pandemic, we have seen the number of hungry people around the world rise, watched as food pantries and soup kitchens expanded to serve an ever-growing number of guests, and longed together for the time when we “will hunger no more, and thirst no more ... and God will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes” (Revelation 7:16-17). This very yearning is at the heart of who we are as church together. Yet our longing has never led to inertia or despair, despite the discouraging forecasts. We are an Easter people, ever journeying toward the cross but trusting in faith that God’s story does not end on that hill.

Get 40 Days of Giving resources here

office of the bishop this week

Bishop Jim Gonia

  • Conference of Bishops Training Session
  • Our Savior's, Denver, CO
  • Trinity, Monument, CO
  • Christ the Servant, Louisville, CO
  • Deacon Korra Looschen installation, St Philip, Littleton, CO


ELCA DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELICAL MISSION

Pastor Dana Peterson

  • Aurora Churches together with Homeless
  • American, Grand Junction, CO
  • Christ, Highlands Ranch, CO
  • Holy Cross, Albuquerque, CO
  • Excellence in Leadership Advisory Board
  • Region 2 DEMs


ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR CANDIDACY, FIRST CALL, ROSTER SUPPORT, AND GLOBAL CHURCH

Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson

  • Candidacy Conversations
  • First Call Planning
  • New Hope, El Paso, TX



LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY COLORADO

Peter Severson

  • Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains board meeting
  • ELCA State Public Policy Offices monthly meeting
  • Marshall Fire response team
  • Legislative hearings


UTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY NEW MEXICO

Kurt Rager

  • Invest in Kids Now Coalition
  • NM United Methodist Women's Panel Discussion


ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP FOR ADMIN & COMMUNICATION

Pastor Kent Mueller

  • Administration & Communication
  • Finance Committee
  • Messiah Mountain Board
  • Messiah Mountain Work Day
  • Sky Ranch Annual Meeting
  • Excellence in Leadership Advisory Board


DIRECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT/LUTHERAN CENTER

Tina Kvitek

  • Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge, CO
  • Highlands, Denver, CO
  • King of Glory, Arvada, CO
  • Finance Committee
  • Generosity Watch Party!
  • RMS Disaster Response Team
  • Metro East Conference
Complete Staff Photos and Emails 

employment opportunities

Office Assistant

Trinity Lutheran Church - Boulder, CO


The office assistant provides administrative support to the congregation by responding to congregational needs, compiling worship materials for weekly worship, assisting the pastor and other staff in producing digital and print materials, and offering basic administrative office support. Takes the lead in producing most of Trinity’s digital and electronic communications. Job description available here. Questions or to submit an application: [email protected].

Office Manager (part-time)

Christ the King Lutheran Church - Colorado Springs, CO


The Office manager is a part-time position at Christ the King, 15-20 hours a week. This person will provide administrative support to the pastor and congregational leaders in a variety of functions. They will be the first point of contact for community members when the office is open. A full job description is available here. The start date is March 1, 2022. We ask that interested individuals contact Pr. Paula Stecker at [email protected].

Church Administrator (part-time)

All Saints Lutheran Church - Aurora, CO


Communications Director (part-time)

Cross of Hope Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM


Communications Director (part-time)

Cross of Hope Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM


Summer Staff

Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp - Fort Collins, CO

View RMS Employment Opportunities

quick links

Submit eConnection article or job ad


Subscribe to eConnection


Find a Congregation


Rocky Mountain Synod Website

Congregations in Transition


Excellence in Leadership


Better Together Campaign


Give a contribution

Kent Mueller, Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Communication

Andrew Nakatani, Communications Assistant


Contact Andrew Nakatani or Kent Mueller with questions and comments about eConnection and our website! Submit eConnection items here.


Rocky Mountain Synod

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-733-0750

rmselca.org

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