On Easter Sunday (April 16), the Colorado Council of Churches will host its  70th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This year's speaker will be  Bishop Jim Gonia in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of The Reformation!

Synod Assembly Worship Resources for Congregations -

The timing of this particular Assembly over a weekend is designed to assist our lay voting members who might otherwise have to take additional time away from work to participate. Since most of our rostered ministers will be at the Assembly, we are offering this packet of resources to provide support to your congregation for your weekend worship. We invite all congregations of the Rocky Mountain Synod to use these resources for a shared worship as Church Together on May 6-7. The liturgy below and a sermon (available soon) will mirror the Sunday morning worship taking place at Synod Assembly, a worship that will focus on our call to be church for the sake of the world. During that worship we will feature the ministry of ELCA deacons who serve our church in the newly re-formed Word & Service roster. 

• Synod Assembly Weekend Worship
  

Best Boots Contest!

Saturday evening of the assembly will be a western-themed ministry fair featuring the ministries of the RMS and ELCA. Pull out your favorite boots and hat and celebrate with us!

Hotel Information -
There are 30 rooms blocked at the Holiday Inn Express: 105 N Spruce St.
Please call 719-424-4300 and use the group code  RMS.
The rate is $120/night and includes breakfast.

Please contact Erin Power if you have any questions or concerns.

• Synod Assembly Website

Roman Catholics and Lutherans are joining together in prayer 500 years after Martin Luther’s 95 theses triggered the Reformation in 1517.

Services of Common Prayer are taking place in conjunction with seven Roman Catholic Diocese. Bishop Jim Gonia will be present at all seven locations. The liturgy will highlight the agreements that have been reached through fifty years of dialogue between Catholics and Lutherans on topics such as the Church, Ministry, and the Eucharist. The Common Prayer is structured around themes of thanksgiving, repentance, and commitment to common witness. The aim is to express the gifts of the Reformation and ask forgiveness for the division perpetuated by Christians from the two traditions.

There are three remaining services:

Saturday, April 22, 2017, 1 p.m.
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
Casper, WY

Sunday, May 21, 2017, 3 p.m.
Sacred Heart Cathedral​
Pueblo, CO

Sunday, October 8, 2017, 3 p.m.
Salt Lake City, UT

What is YAGM?

Evan Collins, a Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) volunteer serving in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, was recently asked, “Should we call your YAGM year a year of service?” Though it initially seemed like a simple question to answer, upon further reflection he realized it is difficult to answer with a simple yes or no. Read Evan’s reflections on this question, and learn about the depth and breadth that he understands YAGM to have around the world. 

YAGM in the Rocky Mountain Synod!

The Rocky Mountain Synod is lucky enough have a number of YAGM alums who call our territory home and they would love to share their stories with you!  Visit the RMS Global Church Speakers Bureau to connect with a YAGM in your area!

Sunday, April 9, 3-5 p.m.

at Augustana Lutheran Church
5000 E Alameda at Fairfax, Denver
(Please use Fairfax entrance)

Open Bethlehem is a story of a homecoming to the world’s most famous little town. The film spans five momentous years in the life of Bethlehem, revealing a city of astonishing beauty and political strife under occupation. The film draws from 700 hours of original footage and some rare archive material.

Meet the filmmaker, Leila Sansour—hear her speak about her return to her hometown as it is becoming encircled by Israel’s wall. Open Bethlehem is a film, but it is also a movement—to save her city. The face of Bethlehem is changing rapidly with potentially detrimental consequences. Reports predict that if trends continue the Christian community of Bethlehem, a city that provides a model for a multi faith Middle East, may be unsustainable within one generation. Leila’s plan to stay a year stretches to five, and is only resolved when she realizes that, sometimes, the biggest dreams take flight from the smallest places. More information at OpenBethlehem.org, flyer for local events here.

Starting at:
Urban Servant Corps
1660 Ogden St. Denver, CO
Sunday, April 9, 2017
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

The Urban Servant Corps community will celebrate the beginning of Holy Week as we walk the neighborhood where Urban Servant Corps volunteers have been present for 30 years! Invite your youth group, co-workers, families and neighbors to offer prayers for those who are most in need in our community. May this gathering be an act of faithful support for the justice that we seek in our neighborhoods. Thanks to Bishop Gonia for joining us for this event!

The Reverend Susan Joan Quass has been named Executive Director of the New Mexico Conference of Churches (NMCC) by the conference's Governing Board. Rev. Quass will officially assume this new role on April 1, 2017. 

Rev. Quass' background uniquely positions her to assume the post as NMCC's fifth Executive Director. With significant experience in social justice ministries, advocacy, congregational life and nonprofit management Quass will advance the Conference's work of promoting Christian unity, and striving for justice, peace and the integrity of creation across the state.

Quass shared, "I am honored and humbled to serve NMCC member churches statewide in a time of challenge to policies of support for the common good and care for those who are poor. As the church we must continue and strengthen our respond to those in need, to speak up for those excluded from the political process and to advocate on issues of statewide importance. I am committed to guide NMCC's future and to collaborate with all those of good will to bring healing and hope to New Mexico."

This year the congregation at Shepherd of the Hills in Canon City, CO is featuring Six Lives - Six Stories, dramatic dialogues by Michael W. Masse for their Lenten Vespers. Characters from the Easter Story share their different perspectives. Members of the congregation read these powerful stories from the Bible.

Memorial Presbyterian Church

Phoenix, AZ

Monday, May 8 - Friday, May 12

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day

Conflict is a matter of when, not if. If you would like to learn skills for transforming the conflict that you experience in your church or workplace, then consider registering for Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders. This 5-day seminar has been called the "Golden Globe of conflict resolution programs" and "the best continuing education I ever took!" For more information call Pamela at 630-627-0507, or visit our website at www.LMPeaceCenter.org. Register on or before April 7 for a $200 discount in tuition!

May 20, 2017 The Westin @ Denver International Airport
18300 Pena Blvd. Denver, CO

Join us for the LFS 34th Annual Benefit Gala featuring Matt Iseman. From Colorado, Matt Iseman is host of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” and winner of the 2017 “The New Celebrity Apprentice.” After dropping out of medical school to pursue stand-up comedy, Matt’s witty humor lead him down an unexpected path through life. Come to the Gala to laugh with Matt and support LFS! The Gala features a night of dinner, entertainment, an auction, and companionship. The evening marks the spirit of community that comes together and offers support for those in need.
For information, and to purchase tickets, click  here. 

Abiding Hope Church
6337 S Robb Way, Littleton, CO

Wednesday, April 26, 2017
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Abiding Hope is hosting an all day workshop called Soul Shop for Leaders. This is a one-day training to equip faith and community leaders to minister to those impacted by suicidal desperation. This includes the creation of worship resources, training congregation members in suicide awareness and basic conversation skills, and the invitation to those who have been suicidal in the past to share their stories. This is the core training which expresses the fundamental tools and key perspectives that Soul Shop is all about. This event is also open to any and everyone, but will have a registration fee of $25. This small cost includes seminar materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will also be available upon request! 

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Northern California, known as Mt. Cross Ministries, is seeking an Executive Director to pioneer a vibrant and faithful outdoor ministry based out of the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz mountains.

King of Glory Lutheran Church in Arvada, CO, announces a position opportunity for a part-time Organist/Pianist - Accompanist. The successful candidate will have excellent performance and leadership skills on both organ and piano, and experience as a church musician. A degree in organ performance or church music is preferred, but not required. Applicable knowledge of Lutheran hymnody and liturgies is a plus. Duties include playing for each Sunday morning worship service, special services (Christmas Eve, Holy Week, etc.) and accompanying the Adult Choir at Wednesday evening rehearsals (Sept-May). A detailed position description is available. Compensation is competitive.  Application deadline is May 5, 2017. Electronic submissions preferred.

For further information or to apply for the position, please contact:
Mike Krueger, Minister of Music 
[email protected]
303-828-6683

Christ Lutheran Church, Highlands Ranch, CO is looking for a part-time Nursery Care Lead. This person is responsible for providing a safe, clean, loving and consistent care environment for infants and toddlers during worship services and special congregational events throughout the year. Full job description can be found here. 

Christ Lutheran Church, Highlands Ranch, CO is looking for a Volunteer and Care Coordinator. The Volunteer Coordinator is the person responsible for getting our volunteers in place to support the many ministries of CLC. This person will consult with staff and determine the personnel needed to accomplish each task and then work towards filling the need. This person will coordinate schedules maintaining the various regular ministries of the church. This person will also keep track of prayer request, send appropriate cards, coordinate meals if needed, and coordinate Hospitality ministry.

This is a part-time position, which will average 20 hours per week. Full job description can be found  here.

For further information or to apply for the position, please contact:
Pastor Eric Allert, Lead Pastor
[email protected]
303-791-0803

Bethany Lutheran Church

4500 E. Hampden Avenue

Cherry Hills Village, CO

Friday, April 28, 2017
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prepare Enrich Training will prepare clergy, professional counselors and mentor couples to administer the Prepare Enrich inventory and provide feedback to premarital as well as married couples. The inventory, feedback and exercises assist couples in exploring and strengthening their relationship. For more information or to register please contact Beth Walker at 720-352-9915 or go to prepare-enrich.com.

We have 44 washable robes, beige with mauve trim, in a variety of adult sizes, available from Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Collins. Most have the traditional wide sleeve; seven have cuffed sleeves. Your church is welcome to these robes for only the cost of shipping. If interested, contact Nadine Hunt: 970-825-3730 or [email protected].