A Reconciling in Christ synod
Assembly Newsletter Summary
So what exactly happened at assembly?  Download, print, and share the Assembly Connection Newsletter to help spread the word in your congregation. 

Selected portions of the assembly will be posted as they are ready on our Vimeo channel.
ELCA and Episcopal Church Issue Call for Prayer, Fasting and Advocacy
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, have issued a joint statement calling for prayer, fasting and advocacy addressing cuts to public programs that are vital to hungry people who are living in poverty.

The statement “For Such a Time As This” calls for fasting on the 21st of each month through December 2018, at which time the 115th Congress will conclude. The 21st of each month is targeted because by that day about 90 percent of Supplemental Nutrition Benefits Program (SNAP) benefits have been used.

Read the joint statement.

Watch a video by Presiding Bishop Eaton.

Watch a video by Presiding Bishop Curry.

ELCA Advocacy updates are available on Twitter and Facebook.

RMS-ELCA News and Events
SAVE THE DATE! 
2017 Theological Conference
September 18-21, 2017
Marriott Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO 

Join us in Colorado Springs as we continue our conversation around ReFormation.The "sub-theme" for our gathering is Innovation and Institution. Where are opportunities for innovation within the institution? Sarah Ciavarri, a trained facilitator in Brene' Brown's work will join us, along with Mike Ward with Stewardship for All Seasons. 

NEW this year: 
In support of the assembly resolution encouraging rostered ministers to spend one day a month in prayer and retreat, we are offering a one-day retreat Monday, September 18 (Theological Conference begins around 4pm). There will be a mix of open time for personal retreat and hiking, optional group sessions: labyrinth, group conversation, etc.
Cost: additional hotel night for those who would travel on Sunday.  
Email Erin Power if interested and will need accommodations on Sunday. 

Registration will open June 15!
RMS Prayer Partners
Are you praying for your new Prayer Partner?  
Download the new prayer partner listing to connect!
Pentecost Resources
This Pentecost Sunday, join us as we pause to reflect on the global community of which we are a part – a community of people living out our faith, serving our neighbors and sharing God’s love with the world – by lifting up ELCA Global Ministries!

In the  Pentecost Sunday booklet, you will find ideas for coordinating a Pentecost Sunday initiative in support of Global Ministries, whether through a special offering or worship service, an international community meal or a church-building campaign. A  new video highlighting the Global Ministries evangelism project in Senegal and The Gambia is also available.
ELCA Youth Gathering Volunteers Needed

Would you like to volunteer at the Gathering and help our young people grow in faith and encounter Christ? Serving the youth of this church is a vocational calling that requires careful discernment. Every volunteer must agree to follow the terms of a volunteer code of conduct and submit to a background check by the ELCA. There are four volunteer categories: Local Volunteers, Community Life, Gathering Volunteer Corps, and Servant Companions. The responsibilities vary, and all volunteers (except Local Volunteers) must commit to being in Houston for one week. Volunteers arrive on Monday, June 25, and depart Sunday, July 1, 2018.

For Your Bulletin
Bulletin Blurbs
Daily Bread Newsletter
Share updates from RMS Hunger Team with your congregation!

May Daily Bread Newsletter is available on the website in color or black & white. 
Installations

Pastor Todd Hawkins
Prince of Peace, Denver, CO 
Sunday, June 11, 3:00 p.m.
Color of the Day: White
RMS Prayer Cycle

May 2017
Metro East Conference

Week of May 28 -

Saron, Strasburg, CO
Julie Brooks

St Mark, Aurora, CO
​Inga Oyan Longbrake

St Matthew, Aurora, CO
Marcel Naruki

St Paul, Denver, CO
Penni Walsch (Interim)
Mark Alan Filbert 

Ascension from the Rabbula Gospels
Biblioteca Mediciae Laurenziana, Syria

Join us in daily prayer:
Download  ELCA Prayer Ventures  for daily prayer petitions and resources for Sunday prayers.

Sunday, May 28
Prayer of the Day
O God of glory, your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Global Church Prayer
Risen One, who sits in glory at the right hand of God, guide us to witness to your triumph over death in our daily lives. Thanks be to you for the journey and growth of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. May we learn from our siblings in Tanzania the ways to proclaim your gospel in our place and in this century, in the name of your risen Son, our Lord, Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen.

Around the Synod
Colorado Council of Churches Reformation Month Events
Colorado Council of Churches is organizing a series of Reformation Month events and they would love to promote your Reformation related event as part of this. Send information about your event to Erin Power.
Summer Organist Available 
A Wartburg West student, who also happens to be an organ player, will be in the Denver area June 5 - July28. Cody Birely is available to fill in as a Sunday organist/pianist this summer for any congregation in the Denver area. Contact Cody for more information.

Our Life Together
Executive Skills for Pastors Course at CLU, July 17-21
Educate, Equip, Enact has seven  scholarships to give to rostered ministers whose ministry will be enhanced by this course. Let the Church invest in your Education; Equip you for stronger leadership; and Enact the partnership we share as leaders of the church. For more information, click here, inquire on the RMS website, or email Janice Kibler
9th Annual BBQ and Bluegrass Benefit for Sky Ranch

Come on out for BBQ & Bluegrass--an annual fundraiser for Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp! Featuring Jerusalem Road and the Bethlehem Bluegrass Band, all are welcome to enjoy food, music, and games! Tickets are $15 per person or $50 per family. Kids under 5 are free!
Annual Holy Cross Pilgrimage - Saturday July 8, 2017
Again this year Mount of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Vail, Colorado will sponsor a pilgrimage hike climbing Notch Mountain (13,237'), in order to view the Mount of the Holy Cross (14,005'). Because of the popularity of this hike and due to U.S. Forest Service regulations which limit the group to no more than 15 persons at a time, reservations are required. 

The event will last from about 6:30AM to 4:00PM. This is a fairly strenuous hike and requires proper hiking gear for a trek in the backcountry.

While there are NO fees, pre-registration is required. Call 970-476-6610 for a registration form or for more details you can log on the church web page, www.mountholy.com and click on the Pilgrimage link. 

Pastor Scott Beebe is the hike leader. Email Pastor Beebe if you've any questions.
Caffeinated Church Conference - FREE Workshop: Graphic Design, Social Media, Web Design
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
8:30am  4:00pm
The Episcopal Church in Colorado
Office of the Bishop
1300 Washington Street, Denver

The Caffeinated Church Conference is centered around creative church collaboration. Increase your creative output through hands-on training in the areas of graphic design, marketing/advertising, layout/design, and website development. We will discuss best practices, budgeting and resources for small to large parishes, challenges that we face, and more. Meet with leaders from other churches engaged in creative design and innovative communications.

Anyone who is actively involved in communications and media at the parish level: Communications Leaders, Administrators, Graphic Designers, Editors, Creative Planners, Artists, Writers, & Photographers.

This conference will be live in-person at the Office of the Bishop, Denver, as well as available via a Zoom video conference for those who live a long distance from Denver or who are joining us from another diocese. You can register for the conference  here.  

Health Ministry Information Session
Saturday, June 10
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church, Room 210
4500 E Hampton Avenue, Cherry Hills Village

Health is a critical part of faith life. Learn how Faith Community Nurses are instrumental in connecting faith and health in faith settings. The specialty practice of Faith Community Nursing and its impact on whole-person health will be explored. Clergy, registered nurses and faith-based staff are welcome to attend. There is no fee for this workshop. For more information send email to Andrea M. West
Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
Re*formation Shopping Bags for Sale
The Holy Cross (Wheat Ridge)  Environmental Stewardship Team celebrated Earth Week by selling reusable shopping bags embossed with the unique Luther rose. The three-pronged project not only celebrated Earth Week, but profits from the sales will benefit the ELCA world hunger Good Gifts project of water purification tablets. Price, including mailing, is $12 per bag which will provide water purification tablets for 50 gallons of water. Earth Week, Reformation, and ELCA Good Gifts-- interested in a purchase? Bags are available from Mary Kvamme. Email her or call her at 303-421-8392 by June 16.
Folding Chairs for SALE!
This could be your lucky day, if you need 150 used folding chairs. Trinity Lutheran Church in Loveland would love to help you out. Send an email to them with questions, and your best offer! 
Do You Need 2016 Annual Report Covers?
We happened to order extra 2016 Annual Report Covers that aren't needed. I have one full package of 25 as well as some loose covers that were cut in half at the bindings. If you can use any of these, please contact our Office Administrator, AnnaMarie Padilla of St. Paul Lutheran Church at 505-2442-5942 or send an email.
FREE Choir Sheet Music!
St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Aurora has a large election of FREE choir music, 3 & 4 part, 15-20 copies of a title. Email the church to set up a date to review copies available.

Employment Opportunities
Non-Rostered Positions 

Looking for Compassion, Faith and Nursing
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO

Director of Youth Music
Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO

Community Care Coordinator
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO

Faith Community Nurse (Parish Nurse)
Augustana Lutheran Church - Denver, CO

Custodian
Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO

Choir Director and Accompanist (part-time)
Highlands Lutheran Church - Denver, CO

Augustana Arts - Executive Director
Augustana Lutheran Church - Denver, CO

Building Resources Coordinator (part-time)
Faith Lutheran Church - Golden, CO

Director of Children's Education (part-time)
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church - Fort Collins, CO
Office of the Bishop This Week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • Sky Ranch Opening Worship
  • Utah Conference Meeting
  • Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield, CO
  • Vacation: Cambodia, 5/29-6/8
Pastor Kent Mueller
  • Lutheran Center Administration
  • Candidacy Meetings

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

  • Special Legislative Session
  • Vacation

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO

  • In-office appointments
  • Vacation 
Pastor Judith VanOsdol

  • Aurora Area Ministry Strategy
  • Retreat
  • Christ the King, Denver, CO

Deacon Erin Power

  • Sky Ranch Opening Worship and Staff training
  • Christ, Cheyenne, WY
  • In office appointments

Pastor Sarah Moening

    • Leading Pastors Conference, Denver, CO
    • Congregation Development Institute
    • Our Savior's, Salt Lake City, UT

    Quick Links
    Share the News
    Erin Power   Assistant to the Bishop
    Rocky Mountain Synod
     
    800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-339-4744

    Announcements for eConnection are due before noon on Monday for the issue the following Wednesday. Event announcements are included for about two weeks and should be submitted via the eConnection Submission link above.