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Greetings!
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View live stream of installation of Elizabeth Eaton as presiding bishop
 The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton will be installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on October 5 at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel in Chicago. Worship begins at 2pm (Central). The Rev. Jessica R. Crist, bishop of the ELCA Montana Synod and chair of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, will preach the sermon. Among the guests attending are representatives from the ELCA's full communion partners, members from The Lutheran World Federation, ELCA companions from around the world, and others. The liturgy will include a diversity of music led by organ, piano, bagpipes, brass, choir, soloists, drum, guitar, and more.
Flooding: Reaching out in compassion
Lutheran Disaster Response continues to work with LFSRM to provide financial support to families and congregations affected by the flooding. If you want to contribute to LDR you can do so through their web site.
You can also give directly to the Rocky Mountain Synod by designating your contribution for 2013 Flood Assistance. These donations will help to mitigate damage suffered by congregations and rostered leaders who have been affected by the floods. There will probably be other needs which come to light over the next several weeks, and these funds will provide seed money for additional projects.
We are stronger together than we are by ourselves; we thank you for your partnership in God's loving care and good news!
Wanted: cardmakers & scrapbookers
Come help us make thank you cards at the Office of the Bishop (455 Sherman St.) this Thursday, October 3, at 9:30 am. If you can join us, please contact Janice Ladd-Horkey by email or call 303-777-6700. Lunch will be provided.
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CONFERENCE GATHERINGS
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Mark your calendar for this year's Conference Gatherings
 Gifted to Grow
God is on a mission of grace, compassion, forgiveness, and justice in the world. As the body of Christ, the church has been invited and gifted by our Creator and empowered by the Holy Spirit to join that work. During this year's Conference Gatherings, Gifted to Grow, we will discover together how we can join in that work by ministry from a gift based approach through asset mapping.
Please bring 6-8 people from your congregation to the missional gathering for your conference. We strongly encourage a diverse group of participants to represent each church, especially middle and high school youth. Your presence is important as we gather to be church together.
Join Bishop Gonia and our new Vice President, Earline Bohling, for conversation and connection around the theme, "Gifted to Grow."
Online registration is now available for the events through November 3. Please register at least 5 days prior to each event so arrangements may be made for meals or snacks.
SAT OCT 19 Mountain West from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Good Shepherd, Glenwood Springs
SAT OCT 26 Southeast Colorado from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
First, Colorado Springs (bring $7 for lunch)
SAT NOV 2 Metro West from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge
SUN NOV 3 Metro East from 2 to 5 p.m.
Christ the Savior, Aurora
SAT NOV 9 Border
New Hope, El Paso
SAT NOV 16 Utah
SAT DEC 7 Wyoming from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Good Shepherd, Casper
SAT JAN 11 Boulder Broomfield from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield
SAT FEB 1 North Colorado
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THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE IN REVIEW
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"I am here. I am now."
by the RMS community and Carrie Newcomer
Carrie Newcomer led the participants in the Rocky Mountain Synod Theological Conference in a community song-writing workshop, which invited reflection on our conference themes and the opportunity to summarize them in song. Carrie provided the foundation of the tune, while those present shared together to write the lyrics:
It's just too much,
There's no grounded space.
Where's the Sabbath in this plugged-in place?
What used to work, doesn't anymore.
I'm always on 7/24.
(chorus)
I am here.
I am now.
Take a breath.
I will show you how.
....I'll show you how.
Virtual world all around me,
I can't find true community.
140 clicks on QWERTY
doesn't speak for humanity.
(chorus)
I am here.
I am now.
Take a breath.
I will show you how.
....I'll show you how.
Things are changing, it's happening fast.
Can we step to the future and honor the past?
The struggle cuts deep; but the grace is vast.
I'm finding rest in what really lasts.
(chorus)
I am here.
I am now.
Breathe in me.
I will show you how.
....I'll show you how...
....I'll show you how...
Here and now....
Bishop Gonia's Theological Conference presentation
Bishop Gonia addressed the participants at the 2013 Theological Conference. An hour-long video may be viewed, especially by rostered leaders who were unable to be present at the conference.
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PRAYERS
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Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost
October 6, 2013
Benevolent, merciful God: When we are empty, fill us. When we are weak in faith, strengthen us. When we are cold in love, warm us, that with fervor we may love our neighbors and serve them for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Synod Prayer Cycle:
Campus Ministries
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. Many congregations print the listing in the Sunday bulletin and/or monthly newsletter.
Remember in prayer this coming Sunday:
10/6
Colorado State University
Connie Winter-Eulberg
University of Colorado
Zachary Parris
University of New Mexico
Anne Morawski
New Mexico State University
Dalene Rogers
University of Northern Colorado
Debra Abbott
Utah State University
Scott Thalacker
University of Wyoming
Keith Prekker
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TIME TO UPDATE YOUR CONSTITUTION!
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Update your congregation's constitution with 2013 Churchwide Assembly ammendments
Now available are the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly approved Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations. These amendments can be inserted into your congregation's constitution approved by the congregation by a simply majority vote of voting members present and voting at any legally called meeting of the congregation without presentation at a prior meeting of the congregation, provided that the Congregation Council has submitted notice by mail and/or electronic means to the congregation of such amendments, together with the council's recommendations, at least 30 days prior to the meeting. See *17.04. in your congregation's constitution for more information.
A reminder that all (*) provisions in the Model Constitution for Congregations and in the 2013 ELCA Churchwide approved amendments for the Model Constitution for Congregations may not be altered, revised, or changed in any way. Provisions that do not have a (*) may be edited per each congregational context.
Please do not be hesitant to contact Synod Secretary, Pastor Scott McAnally at pscott@lchope.org for guidance, questions, or more information.
.pdf and MS Word files of the 2013 Model Constitution
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RAINBOW TRAIL
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Bridging Borders service-based ministry announces 2014 trips
Bridging Borders, a service-based mission ministry through Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, is going to Anapra, Mexico; New York City; Ecuador; and now Boulder, Colorado in the summer of 2014. Each trip provides a unique and exciting experience for all involved as well as a tangible example of what it means to be the hands and feet of God in the world.
Rainbow Trail is now taking requests for summer 2014 reservations. Dates will fill fast, so if you want to reserve a date or need more information, contact Ben Jarvis, Director of On-Site and Bridging Borders. For additional information, visit the Rainbow Trail website.
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ELCA PRIMARY HEALTH BENEFITS
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Learn about how ELCA Primary Health Benefits
are Changing
Important changes are taking place in Portico health care benefits, the health care program of the ELCA.
The "Gold-Plus" option is the closest to the benefit plan currently offered and is encouraged in the new plan options.
Key Dates:
- September 16 - October 14: Organizations select one health benefit option
- November 1 - 22: Members enroll in, or waive, health and additional benefits.
At the upcoming Theological Conference an extended time period (90 minutes) has been set aside to learn about the new benefit options and to ask questions.
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ELCA WORLD HUNGER
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RACING AGAINST HUNGER
RAINBOW TRAIL's RACE TO BENEFIT WORLD HUNGER
7th Annual Grace Race
Saturday, October 5
Sloan's Lake, Denver, CO
 RAINBOW TRAIL is hosting its 7th Annual Grace Race to benefit world hunger. All proceeds and donations will be given to ELCA World Hunger. This is a 5K run/walk around beautiful Sloan's Lake in Denver. There will be food and refreshments for all participants following the race. The entry fee is $30 before September 27th and $35 after that date. You don't have to be a runner to make a difference. They had parents with baby strollers, grandparents with grand kids, and runners and walkers of all types last year. Come join us for a great afternoon in the park for a great cause. To learn more and to register, go to
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TO THE POINT
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NEW MEXICO ADVOCACY CONFERENCE IS OCT. 19
The annual Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM advocacy conference will be on Saturday, October 19 in Albuquerque from 9 am to 1 pm at All Saints Lutheran Church. Watch for more details and plan now to attend.
HUNGER EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM
Want to educate your community about the fight against hunger but you don't have the funding to bring it to life? Good news... there is funding available through the ELCA Hunger Education Grant Program to help you teach others about the root causes and solutions of hunger. The deadline for submitting proposals is December 31, 2013, so go to the Hunger Rumblings blog posted on September 5 by Henry Martinez for information and proposal guidelines.
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YOUTH GATHERINGS
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Senior High Youth Gathering is November 22-24!
Middle School Youth Gathering is January 17-19!
More information coming soon!
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Bishop Jim Gonia
- Staff Meeting
- Lutheran Disaster Relief
- Conference of Bishops
- Installation of Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Staff Meeting
- Metro East Conference
- LSFRM Board
- Endorsement Panel- Lutheran Southern Theological Seminary
- Vacation
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Staff Meeting
- Peace Lutheran, Sterling, CO
- Holy Cross Women's Retreat
- Lombard Menonite Mediation Training
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Staff Meeting
- Ministry Review Reports
- Mount Tabor, Salt Lake City, UT
Pastor Kent Mueller
- Staff Meeting
- Bethany Lutheran Church adult class
- Growing Home ministry mtg at new office location
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- Staff Meeting
- SPPO
- Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Kim Williams
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
Madagascar: Poverty leads
to emotional goodbye
"It breaks my heart," says
ELCA Young Adults in Global
Mission participant Sarah
Adam. Two of her close
Malagasy friends decided
that to survive financially
they had to leave their
families and take jobs in
Kuwait. Sarah says the
experience has moved
her to advocate for women l
iving in poverty. Read more.
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QUICK LINKS
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SOCIAL SERVICES
HEALTH CARE MINISTRY
SERVANT CORPS OUTDOOR MINISTRY
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| CALENDAR |
website calendar 2013
NOVEMBER 22-24
Senior High Youth Gathering
YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, Colorado
2014
JANUARY 17-19
Middle School Youth Gathering
Elegante Hotel & Conference Center
(new name for the Crowne Plaza!)
Colorado Springs, Colorado
MAY 8-10
2014 Synod Assembly
Marriott Tech Center
Denver, Colorado
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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
 St. Matthew's, Salt Lake, celebrates 25th anniversary On September 22, neighbors St. Matthew's Lutheran and St. Stephen's Episcopal celebrated the 25th anniversary of St. Matthew's and the baptism of Elias Wendlandt. Fr. Matthew Seddon and Pastor Jeffrey Louden co-celebrated at the font and table. Fr. Seddon is the vicar of St. Stephen's and a priest of the Utah Diocese. Elias is the proud son of Kelli and Chad Wendlandt. Photo by Kelli Wendlandt
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Katie Luther: the Opera
Friday, October 25 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 27 at 2 p.m.
at Keller Hall, UNM campus next to Popejoy Hall
In 2017 we will celebrate the 500th anniversary of The Reformation! We are excited to present a musical drama told from the mind of Katharina von Bora-Luther, the woman behind the Reformation.
Katie Luther comes across as a warm, genuine, passionate woman who was so moved by the Reformation that she risked severe punishment to escape to a new life of freedom in Wittenburg. This modern opera is performed in English and the music is creative, fresh, and melodic. Composer Dr. Glenn Winters has masterfully woven Lutheran hymnody into the score, which makes for an interesting work of art. Tickets available at www.UNMTickets.com.
Dates: Friday, October 25 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 27 at 2 p.m. at Keller Hall, UNM campus next to Popejoy Hall.
New Mexico Advocacy Day is October 19
The 2013 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico conference will be Saturday, October 19 at All Saints Lutheran Church in Albuquerque (4800 All Saints Rd NW 87120). The conference will take place from 9:00 am until 1 pm and the cost is $15 per person, including lunch. Session topics will include advocacy basics, hunger and more. Plan now to attend and learn more about advocating for our many neighbors living in poverty. To register send your name, congregation and contact information to info@lam-nm.org. Registration deadline: October 11.
The St. Olaf Orchestra
Thursday October 17 at 7 p.m.
Simms Center for the Performing Arts at the Albuquerque Academy. 6400 Wyoming Boulevard NE. $10 Adults/Seniors. Students free.
Camino de Vida, Albuquerque, invites your prayers
Camino de Vida's Advisory Committee is asking that the following devotional prayer be offered in your church services/church bulletins/newsletters for one month.
Camino de Vida is an ecumenical ministry supported mainly by Presbyterian and Lutheran churches that offers community services and spiritual growth opportunities through worship services, Bible study, women's support groups, youth activities, as well as mission projects and social justice awareness projects. Programs include food distribution, community educational opportunities such as English and computer classes, and community music classes. We accomplish out mission with Jesus as our guide, showing compassion and love, and by practicing inclusiveness and social justice for all the people of Albuquerque and the world.
"Dear Lord, we thank you for the growth and continuous development of Camino de Vida. We ask that you continue to bless this ministry as they answer God's call to worship and to witness in their community. We pray, Oh Lord, that you will provide a space of their own, where Camino de Vida can worship and can continue to answer God's call to service. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen."
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COLORADO
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32nd Anniversary of St. John's Lutheran Church
October 13 at 10:45
Thornton, CO
After worship, join in a walk to Cherry Park nearby. They will celebrate with fellowship in the park from noon to 4 p.m. Bring a side dish to share. RSVP at 303-457-2467 or email stjohns05@gmail.com
John Philip Newell: Poet, Peacemaker, Scholar:
Rebirthing of God: the spirit, the earth, the human soul -
October 25-27
at Trinity United Methodist Church, Denver
 The interfaith community of Denver will welcome John Philip Newell to a weekend of spiritual growth and renewal through the "Rebirthing of God event. Drawing on the ancient insights of Celtic Spirituality, explore a spirituality that is intimately linked to the natural world, open to the treasure of other religious traditions, and grounded in the daily practice of prayer and meditation. Event flyer.
The schedule includes a Friday night lecture, Saturday morning interactive workshop, and Sunday morning worship & open forum. Please register now if you are interested in attending, as space is limited. Information and registration is available at www.trinityumc.org (register as guest).
Addressing the Challenges of Christian Zionism: Accompanying Our Sisters & Brothers in the Middle East
October 19-21
Denver & Fort Collins, CO
Peace Not Walls invites you join them for a weekend with Dr. Robert Smith, Area Program Director for the Middle East & North Africa in the Global Mission unit of the ELCA. Come hear Pastor Smith speak about the historical roots and current political implications of Christian Zionism, issues he explores in depth in his recently published book More Desired than Our Owne Salvation: The Roots of Christian Zionism. Come, ask questions and engage in a discussion of this highly controversial and often misunderstood subject.
Register online for the Saturday workshop on October 19.
View the flyer for more information.
 Agape (aka David Scherer)
Wednesday, October 2nd 6:30-8:15 p.m.
at Bethany Lutheran Church
Agape has been touring full time for 10 years 'Spreading God's love through hip hop." Agape has had people of all ages praising God together and having a great time! This is fun for the WHOLE family! He has a passion for young people and for helping them realize their worth and see themselves through Jesus' eyes. At Bethany Lutheran Church FREE!! www.bethany-denver.org. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
ALDE Colorado Fall Conference
Friday, October 18, 9am-3pm
Bethany Lutheran Church
Cost:$25
Join us for great workshops! For more information or to register visit: bit.ly/ALDECO
The St. Olaf Orchestra
Sunday October 13, 7 p.m., at Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, CO
Monday, October 14, 7:30 p.m. at Macky Auditorium, Boulder, CO
Tuesday, October 15, 7 p.m. at Rocky Mountain High School, Fort Collins, CO
Tickets at www.stolaftickets.com or at the door.
Group for Progressive Lutherans meets October 14
A group for progressive Lutheran theological thinkers holds meeting at Messiah Community Church, located at 1750 Colorado Blvd. The group meets once a month for discussions of Bible texts, church events, books, theological developments, and more. The next meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Wolfgang Stahlberg by email or phone (303-355-4471). New attendees are always welcome.
 Marcus Borg & John Dominic Crossan--
Jesus and Paul: Then and Now
Jesus and Paul are the two most central figures in Christianity. Yet both have been significantly misunderstood, and sometimes even set in opposition to each other. Four lectures will develop an understanding of Jesus and Paul set in the matrix of their time and place, the first century historical context of Jesus and Judaism within Roman imperial theology and practice. Rather than being radically different, Jesus and Paul in their different settings articulated a vision of loyalty to God that was radically subversive of the conventions of dominant culture.
Friday, Nov 1 at 7 pm, and Saturday, Nov 2 at 9 am, 11 am, and 1:30 pm: Two lectures by Drs. Borg and Crossan each session, plus Q and A. Box lunch at 12:30 pm.
Sunday, Nov 3 @ 9:30 am: Worship service with a dialogue sermon by Drs. Borg and Crossan.
11 am: Adult Forum: Q and A with our speakers.
Any one lecture is $15.00. Package price: All four lectures (Friday-Saturday) and box lunch $60.
Students with I.D. $5 single lecture, $20 weekend.
more information
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Synod Minister for Connected Community
Rocky Mountain Synod
800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700
Announcements for eConnection are due before noon on Monday for the issue the following day. Event announcements are included for about two weeks. Please submit your announcement at the time it should appear.
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