A Reconciling in Christ synod
Excitement over budding Mormon-Lutheran partnership for refugee relief grows
By Tad Walsch, Deseret News

A flash flood of Mormon volunteers was a spring surprise for Lutherans who run refugee resettlement organizations in 25 U.S. states.

Motivated by statements of church leaders encouraging them to help refugees, the influx of Mormons prompted resettlement centers of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services to add volunteer training sessions in places like South Carolina, Colorado and Arizona.

On Tuesday, the budding relationship expanded again, as LIRS leaders visited Salt Lake City and received a check for $130,000 from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The LDS Church also pledged an additional $520,000 in commodities such as food and mattresses.

"We've been chomping at the bit on building this relationship, which is evolving on two levels," said Linda Hartke, president and CEO of LIRS. "On the local level, we're seeing greater interest and more volunteers coming forward.

"On the national level, leaders of LDS Charities are giving open and thoughtful consideration to how the church might be more deeply engaged learning and testing ideas about working together."

LIRS expects to help resettle 15,000 refugees in the new fiscal year that began Oct. 1, up from the 13,008 refugees its 45 locations helped to resettle in the United States in the past 12 months.

Read Full Article

 
#ELCAvotes

In these weeks leading up to Election Day, we have seen social media and communications filled with videos, prayers, and worship resources to support conversation and engagement as people of faith to #votefaithfully this election season.


Hear from Bishop Eaton about The Right to Vote.

Social Policy Resolution “Voting Rights to All Citizens” 
adopted Aug. 2013

“[It is] resolved, that members, congregations, and synods of this church be encouraged to “promote public life worthy of the name” by speaking out as an advocate and engaging in local efforts such as voter registration and supporting legislation to guarantee the right to vote to all citizens …”

RMS-ELCA News and Events
Portico Benefits Manager logo
2017 Health Benefit selection deadline:  Oct. 28!
Select 2017 Health Benefit Option   Congregations should be selecting their ELCA-Primary health benefit option for 2017. Every sponsoring employer should select their 2017 health benefit option by October 28, even if all their plan members currently waive ELCA health benefits. This deadline is important because it enables Portico to prepare their systems for plan members to enter their 2017 benefit selections online from October 31 - November 16. 
California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) invite applications and nominations for the position of Rector of PLTS
The Rector will report to Cal Lutheran’s Vice President of Mission and Identity and work alongside with the Dean of PLTS, who reports to Cal Lutheran’s Provost. The Rector, who will be an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will oversee the life and administration of the Seminary on the Berkeley campus. 
More information
ELCA Conference of Bishops approves redesign of first-call process
The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) approved the redesign of the first-call process and continued discerning the church's future priorities in a process known as "Called Forward Together in Christ" when it met here Sept. 27 – Oct. 4.

After a year of discernment, the Conference of Bishops approved the redesign of the first-call assignment process. The team, led by the Rev. Patricia Lull, bishop of the ELCA Saint Paul Area Synod, and a representative bishop from each of the nine regions, presented six recommendations for the new process. 

For Your Bulletin
Bulletin Blurb
Election Season Prayers
Prayer upon receiving a ballot:

Loving God of all the universe we know that your reign is not of this world; still, we recognize our duty to prayerfully participate in deciding who will govern, and our duty to prayerfully participate in making decisions together about the laws by which we will be governed. As we hold this ballot, anticipating the decisions we will make hold us in your care; give us ears to hear and eyes to see those who you would draw our attention to – the poor, the marginalized, the outcast. We pray for discernment; help us listen closely to your Holy Spirit always, but especially from now until we submit our ballot. In the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Other prayers:   
  • Prayer while studying the issues and candidates
  • Prayer before marking the ballot
  • Prayer before submitting the ballot

Download prayer resource

Offered by Pastor Matthew Bolz-Weber, Holy Love, Aurora, CO

INSTALLATIONS
Pr. Stacy Payne
Sunday, October 30, 2:00 p.m.
Atonement Lutheran Church
Boulder, CO
Color of the day: Green
 
Pr. David Pederson
Saturday, November 5, 10:30 a.m.
Bethel Lutheran Church 
Windsor, CO
Color of the day: Green

Deacon Shanna VanderWel
Sunday, November 6, 7:30 a.m.
Augustana  Lutheran Church
Denver, CO 
Color of the day: Green
RMS Prayer Cycle

October 2016
SOCIAL MINISTRIES and
AGENCIES

10/30
Border Servant Corps
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Kari Lenander
 
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains
Denver, Colorado
Jim Barclay

Lutheran Social Services of the South
El Paso, Texas
Jose Alamillo 

Lutheran Refugee Services
Denver, Colorado
James Horan

Luthercare, Inc.
Casper, Wyoming
Jill Elliott

Mosaic
Omaha, Nebraska
Linda Timmons

Urban Servant Corps
Denver, Colorado
Krista Kilgas 
Prayer of the Day
Creator God,
you call us to love and serve you
with body, mind, and spirit
through loving your creation
and our sisters and brothers.
Open our hearts in compassion
and receive these petitions
on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.
Around the Synod
Colorado ballot issue video series
What's up with Proposition 106, Colorado?

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO has teamed up with Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Colorado-Boulder for a series of videos about the propositions and amendments on the Colorado ballot.
View all videos here
Join Us for the Heart Hands & Feet Gathering at Abiding Hope Church
Do you yearn to return to the simple, uncluttered view of life held by our children?
Friday, November 4 at 6:00 p.m. 
Saturday, November 5 at 8:30 a.m.

Come and learn how to read and understand scripture in its purest form – that of how a child hears the word of God. Dr. Parker will guide us through scripture with the lens of a child, exploring what the kingdom of God really is like.

Presented by: Dr. Julie Faith Parker

Professor Parker brings a wealth of experience as a pastor and teacher to her audiences. She holds degrees from Hamilton College (B.A.), Union Theological Seminary – New York (M.Div.), Yale Divinity School (S.T.M.) and Yale University (Ph.D.). She has served as Associate Pastor, Chaplain, and faculty member at numerous colleges and seminaries, most recently joining the faculty of Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Registration and Information
 
Bethany Lutheran, Cherry Hills Village, to host veteran's dinner and concert 
Operation One Nation
Saturday, November 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Veteran’s Ministry, will be hosting the annual Veterans appreciation dinner and concert at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village. Dinner will be catered by Romano’s from 5:30-6:45 p.m. with a suggested donation of $10; Free of charge for veterans, active military and children under 12. Colorado’s own Sons and Brothers will be the entertainment at 7 p.m. Please RSVP by 11/17 to Janet Mortinsen at 303-300-3317 or email Janet.
 
Alternative Giving and Fair Trade Market
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Fort Collins, CO
Saturday November 5, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday November 6, 9 a.m. to noon.

Shepherd of the Hills is proud to host an Alternative Giving and Fair Trade Market. The fair supports local and international non-profit organizations such as Larimer County Food Back, Heifer International, Women's Bean Project, Threads and more. Admission is free! 

1200 S. Taft Hill Road (on Taft Hill Rd between Prospect and Elizabeth) 
Fort Collins, CO 80521
   
Sarah Rejman, founder of The Plaster House in Arusha Tanzania, to visit Saint Peter Lutheran Church
Saint Peter Greenwood Village  
November 6. 

Sarah Rejman founded The Plaster House in 2008. It is a ministry of the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre which houses children for pre- and post-operative care and rehabilitation. From an idea first scribbled on a piece of paper, it grew rapidly – from its initial 9 beds into something much bigger than its creators ever imagined. Now The Plaster House is an ongoing ministry with up to 100 children cared for at any one time.

Children with disabilities that can be corrected with orthopedic, plastic or general paediatric surgery are taken to Arusha Lutheran Medical Center for corrective surgery for fluorosis, club foot, burn contractures, cleft lip etc, and then stay at The Plaster House until they are fully rehabilitated. This can be a 10-day to a six-month stay.

Sarah will share the history of this ministry, as well as her vision for its future. All are welcome to join us. Saint Peter is located at 9300 E Belleview Ave., Greenwood Village, CO. Visit our website for more information.
   
Global Gift Fair 
Atonement Lutheran Church in Lakewood to host Global Gift Fair
Saturday, Nov. 5 & Sunday, Nov. 6
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Buy your holiday gifts at Atonement Lutheran's annual Global Gift Fair. 
You will be able to buy gifts from non-profits as: Anoothi, Koru Street, Earthlinks, Global Mamas, Outreach  Uganda, SERVV, World Hunger, Women's Bean Project, and other vendors.

Discover what is happening  in 2017 when you buy your Peace Corps calendar.   
You will be helping  vendors from around the world--and Denver--when you buy our products.

Atonement is located at 6281 W. Yale in Lakewood, b etween Sheridan & Wadsworth. 
Border Conference Missional Gathering 2016
Border Conference Missional Gathering 
Saturday, November 12, 2016
10:00 a.m. -  2:00 p.m.

The Border Conference invites you to a day of Community Worship with Jazz, breakout session learning, and fellowship!

Register early to ensure that there's plenty of materials and refreshments for all! Child Care & Spanish interpretation available too!

Register by email

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM:    2016 Advocacy Conference
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM:    2016 Advocacy Conference
Saturday, November 5 at 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, Albuquerque, NM

Join us for the 2016 Advocacy Conference.  The cost is $15 per person, including lunch. Dr. Nicholas Natividad from NM State University will be our keynote speaker. Dr. Natividad teaches in the Criminal Justice Department and will talk about the historical context of race and criminal justice in New Mexico. Breakout session topics will include advocacy basics, poverty and hunger, criminal justice and other topics. Plan now to attend! Breakout session topics will include advocacy basics, poverty and hunger, criminal justice and other topics. Plan now to attend! To register or for more information, email Ruth Hoffman or 505-984-8005. Registration deadline is November 1.
Fair-Trade Fair at St. Paul's in Cheyenne, WY
St. Paul's Women's Ministry Team
We are hosting another Gifts of the World bazaar
Fellowship Hall 19th & House Avenue
Saturday, October 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m

Come join us for a fair-trade fair!  Many and varied products from all over the world. Spread peace and justice provide opportunity, send children to school, and empower women through your purchases. Sample soups and salsas from the Women’s Bean Project as well as fairly traded coffee and tea. Be sure to bring your gift list as the products you find will be unique and each gift purchased will ‘give twice.’  Many and varied products will be available such as jewelry, chocolate, bath and body products, home decor, Christmas, and much more!

For more information, contact Regina 307-214-9344
 
St. Matthew's to Host Sparkhouse Children's Book Fair
Sunday, October 23 
Sunday October 30
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

'Tis the season to spark the spirit of Christmas! Award-winning Bibles, books and videos for babies to twelve-year-olds.

See our website for book pricing and more information.

Our Life Together
REGISTRATION DEADLINE SOON!!
RTLC Confirmation Retreat Registration Open!  
November 4-6, 2016

Don't forget to register your group to The annual Rainbow Trail Confirmation online at

The weekend will be full of a great study led by Kristen Baltrum, fun camp activities, great food, warm fires, and fresh mountain air!

Registration closes on October 21st! If you have any questions, please email Ben, or call 719-276-5233. 
REGISTRATION DEADLINE SOON!!
RTLC Senior High Gathering 
November 18-20, 2016  

Registration is now open for the RTLC Senior High Gathering! Be sure you've registered your group online at  Rainbow Trail. After you've registered, and once RTLC can confirm your housing on their site, the staff will email you to finish your registration and payment. The deadline for registration is the end of October. If you have any questions, please email Ben, or call the Rainbow Trail business office at 719-276-5233. 

Resource Corner
check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
#VoteFaithfully Sunday Resources

ELCA Advocacy Alert

Join us in observing Vote Faithfully Sunday on November 6, 2016!

These are difficult and challenging times for our local communities, our country, and the world.  Divisive and heated rhetoric dominate the public dialogue. More and more people are withdrawing from engagement in the political process out of a growing sense of cynicism and mistrust.

Now, more than ever, your voice and your efforts are needed.

As people of faith, we can play a unique role in this election cycle by empowering every voice in our congregations and offering a hope-filled vision of the future for all people.

We invite you to join with our ecumenical partners in observing the Sunday before election day as "Vote Faithfully Sunday." This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our commitment to the common good, provide our members with the information they need to cast their ballot and prepare to vote as a community.

Vote Faithfully Sunday Toolkit


Employment Opportunities
 
Non-rostered positions available

Office Coordinator
Christ Lutheran Church- Highlands Ranch, CO

Children’s Choir Director 
Holy Shepherd, Lakewood, CO


Office of the Bishop This Week
 
Bishop Gonia
  • American Indian-Albuquerque, NM
  • Ministry together Consultation
  • Diocese of the Rio Grande Convention
  • Messiah, Denver, CO
  • Stacy Payne-Installation
  • Preaching at Campus Ministry CSU
  • Seminary visit to Gettysburg
Pastor Kent Mueller
  • Mentoring workshop, First Lutheran, Colorado Springs, CO
  • Wyoming Conference Gathering, Casper, WY
  • Covenant, Wheatland, WY

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

  • Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
  • Ministry Together

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO

  • Lutheran Disaster Response Consultation, Chicago, IL
 
Pastor Judith VanOsdol        

  • Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque, NM
  • Christian African Refugee Mission at St. Timothy, Albuquerque, NM
  • Camino de Vida, Albuquerque, NM
  • Cristo Rey, Board meetings, Leadership Training, El Paso, TX
  • Mount Hope, El Paso, TX
  • Peace Lutheran, El Paso, TX
  • ELCA Churchwide Mission Support team, Chicago, IL

Erin Power, Diaconal Minister

  • Vacation
  • Lutheran-Catholic Prayer service, First Lutheran, Colorado Springs
  • Shepherd of the Hills, Fort Collins, CO
  • CU-Boulder Campus Ministry
  • RMS Communications

     Pastor Sarah Moening

    • Council Retreat, Our Savior's, Alamogordo, NM
    • Border Conference

    Andy Sprain

    • CLU Convocation
    • Campus Ministry Committee
    • Installation of Stacy Payne, Atonement-Boulder, CO

    Quick Links
    Share the News
     
    Erin Power   Assistant to the Bishop
    Maria Sutton , Communication Assistant 
    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 Submision link above.