Greetings!
 
 
View live stream of installation of Elizabeth Eaton as presiding bishop


 

Flooding: Reaching out in compassion

  

Information about who to contact for disaster relief needs is posted at this link.

 

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 AssistanceThese 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.

 

CONFERENCE GATHERINGS

  

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 

 

 

 

 

THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE IN REVIEW

 

Rocky Mountain Synod & Carrie Newcomer:
 
"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.

  
 
Evaluation Form 
 
If you have not yet completed the Theological Conference Evaluation, you are invited to do so.
 

  

 PRAYERS
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

TIME TO UPDATE YOUR CONSTITUTION!

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

  

RAINBOW TRAIL

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. 

  

ELCA PRIMARY HEALTH BENEFITS

Portico Benefits Manager logo

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.
Each member received a mailing to begin learning about the new options. Learn more on the Portico website.
 
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. 
ELCA WORLD HUNGER

 

 

RACING AGAINST HUNGER

A training event
for all who care about hunger

Please publicize in your church newsletters!

Saturday, October 5 
9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church
920 Kipling Street
Lakewood, Colorado 

 

online link to page with poster, article, bulletin insert: information

Register Online (preferred)or complete the paper Registration Form 
+ + +
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  
 
TO THE POINT

 

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.

 

  

  
YOUTH GATHERINGS

  

Senior High Youth Gathering is November 22-24!

 

Registration is now open for the Senior High Youth Gathering:  The Wonder of it all.  Visit the website for details and downloads.  Registration deadline is November 1. 


Middle School Youth Gathering is January 17-19!

More information coming soon!
 

 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
THIS WEEK

  

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
  • Faith Formation Projects
 
 
 
 

 

 Find us on Facebook

 

Follow us on Twitter 

ELCA GLOBAL LINKS

Global Links logo

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.


 

 

CONGREGATIONS
QUICK LINKS
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
 
 

  

REGIONAL ROUNDUP: SELECT A STATE
UTAH
WYOMING
NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
COLORADO
  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


  
WYOMING
submit Wyoming news or photos 

  

 

NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS 

 

 

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."

 

COLORADO

 

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

 


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.