A Reconciling in Christ synod
Art and Storytelling

Those who attended our 2016 Theological Conference in Cheyenne, WY this week were invited to bring an item from their church that is no longer needed. The stories of the items were shared, and then they were dismantled and re-purposed into creative art pieces, with new stories. It was a metaphor for how the old becomes new again, and how objects symbolize the stories of who we are.


Stay tune for more information about an art and story telling project coming up for Synod Assembly!

Visit the RMS Facebook page for more pictures from our time in Cheyenne.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Issues Statement Addressing Dakota Access Pipeline
P residing Bishop Elizabeth Eaton released a statement regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline: 
"I recognize there are people of deep faith on all sides of this issue with varied perspectives, and I pray that we use this time wisely. We need to be in prayer, to express solidarity, and to build relationships. We also need to take seriously the concerns of the American Indian community, initiate and/or continue local efforts to strengthen and expand partnerships, and deepen cross-cultural understanding."

RMS-ELCA News and Events
CORRECTED LINK!
Lutheran Advocacy Team Training

Saturday, October 8th, 2016
9:00 am - 3:00 pm (breakfast/registration open at 8:30 am)

Lutheran Center - Office of the Bishop
7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO
 

Advocacy and justice-minded individuals from RMS congregations and beyond will gather for a day of equipping for action, learning how to integrate meaningful conversations about politics, policy, and advocacy into the life of a ministry, as well as how to effectively start and maintain an advocacy or social justice team in their congregations. Hosted by the Lutheran Advocacy Ministries (LAM) of Colorado, New Mexico, and the ELCA LAM office in Washington, D.C. Everyone is welcome! Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration fee is $5 per person, payable in cash or check at the door. For more information, contact Peter Severson.

REGISTER TODAY!

Workshop:  Boundaries, Borders, and Better Relationships
Boundaries Workshop
Office of the Bishop Rocky Mountain Synod
7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO 80221
Tuesday, October 11 from 8:30- 4:00 PM 

As people who work with people, we know the importance of relationships. We also know that healthy relationships depend upon clear and respectful boundaries. Rostered leaders especially need thoughtful and consistent training about boundaries because of the variety of their relationships. Cost is $25 for lunch and materials.  All rostered leaders, congregational staff, and ministry professionals are encouraged to attend. 

Two Offerings from Portico
Portico Overview of Benefits
Abiding Hope, Littleton, CO
Wednesday, September 28 at 10:00 a.m.

Do you have questions about Annual Enrollment and your Portico Benefits? Join Andrea Arey of Portico Benefit Services for an overview of benefits. Please RSVP to Andrea so there are enough resources for all.
Pre-Retirement Seminar
November 10, 9:00-6:00 p.m.
Long Beach, CA

If you're over age 50 and within 15 years of retirement, our pre-retirement seminars and webinars are a great way to get planning off to a strong start or keep the momentum going. Hosted by Portico and a certified Ernst & Young financial planner, the seminars and webinars answer the important questions you may have about retirement. 
For Your Bulletin
Bulletin Blurb
Installations

Saturday, October 1,2016
Pastor Libby Reinking
At Epiphany, Denver CO. at 10:00
Color of the day Green.






    RMS Prayer Cycle

    September 2016
    Metro South Conference

    9/25

    Prince of Peace, Denver, CO

    Risen Lord, Conifer, CO

    Saint Peter, Greenwood Village, CO
    David Risendal

    St Philip, Littleton, CO
    Nathan Doerr
    Brad Doty
    Prayer of the Day

    O God, rich in mercy, you look with compassion on this troubled world. Feed us with your grace, and grant us the treasure that comes only from you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 

    Around the Synod
    New Beginnings Worshipping Community's 2nd Annual Chow Hall Gala

    The women of New Beginnings Worshipping Community cordially invite you to the 2nd Annual Chow Hall Gala. Join us for dinner and jazz entertainment by Second Acts and Fellowship. The event is graciously hosted by Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver, CO. Advanced ticket price is $50 and may be purchased by September 30th. Ticket Price at the door will be $60. 
    All proceeds benefit the New Beginnings Worshipping Community 
    We thank you for your generous support and additional donations to this important ministry! 

    Please visit our website for more information 
    Holy Trinity, Littleton, to host The Colorado Hebrew Chorale and Young Voices of Colorado.
    Sunday, September 25 at 4:00 p.m.

    The Colorado Hebrew Chorale and Young Voices of Colorado will present "Essential Music of the Holocaust: History and Hope".  The program, which will include music in Hebrew and Yiddish performed collaboratively by both choirs, will feature a presentation by Estelle Nadel, recounting her experiences as a hidden child in Poland during the second World War. Ms. Nadel, a powerful and articulate speaker who is also a member of the Colorado Hebrew Chorale, has said that "people need to remember what can happen when others demonize races, ethnicities, or religions. When the stories remain crystalline, maybe the world will see fewer genocides." This presentation is free and open to the community. Because of the subject matter, children under nine years old are not encouraged to attend.
    Andrew Romanoff to Moderate Suicide Prevention panel at St. Paul Lutheran & Catholic Community of Faith
    Wednesday, September 21 at 6:30 p.m.
    St. Paul, 1600 Grant St.
    Denver, CO

    Panelists include Lt. John Copperidge from Denver Police Department; Heidi Lightenburger from Carson J. Spencer Foundation, Capt. John Grothe from West Metro Firefighters and Dr. Marjorie Laird from Second Wind Fund.

    The panel marks the beginning of a current events series titled In the City for Good Symposium Series. The symposia take place on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. This event is free and open to the public.

    If you're concerned about anyone, please join us and talk about how to help save their lives. You could be the difference for them.

    Questions and more information
    Our Life Together
    Rainbow Trail’s 10th Annual Grace Race for World Hunger Registration Is Now Open!
    Sloans Lake Park in Denver, Colorado
    Saturday, October 1 at 4:00 p.m.
     

    RAINBOW TRAIL is hosting its 10th Annual Grace Race to benefit the ELCA World Hunger appeal on Saturday, October 1 with a 4:00 pm start. All proceeds and donations will be given to ELCA World Hunger. This is a 5K run/walk around beautiful Sloan’s Lake in south Denver. There will be food and refreshments for all participants following the race. The entry fee is $30 until September 23rd and $35 after that date. You don’t have to be a runner to make a difference. Parents with baby strollers, grandparents with grand kids, and runners and walkers of all types participate. Encourage the members of your congregation to participate. If your congregation is interested in being a sponsor of the race, please contact Dave Jarvis at (719) 276-5233. They’ll get your church logo on their race shirt! Come join us for a great day in the park for a great cause. You can register on-line! Bring your friends and family or your whole youth group. Over the past 9 years, RTLC has raised over $40,000. Help RTLC raise another $10,000 for ELCA World Hunger this year! See you October 1st!
     
    Information and Registration
    Men's Fly Fishing Retreat at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
    Thursday, September 22- Sunday, September 25

    Attention all men: Experience a weekend of faith renewal, fellowship and fishing. Hearty meals, worship, and camaraderie around the campfire will be woven into the weekend so all can come away renewed spiritually, mentally and physically.
    The Arkansas River is only minutes from Rainbow Trail and offers world class fly fishing. Ark Anglers, a local guiding company, will give a presentation on current river conditions at the beginning of the weekend.
    Fishermen from novice to expert are encouraged to come for this fabulous weekend. Rental equipment and professional guide services are available.


    Resource Corner
    check back each week for a new or featured resource for your congregation
    Resource:  Let's Talk About WORSHIP!
    Can We Talk:  Engaging Worship and Culture

    You might be part of a congregation that talks about worship and that plans and evaluates what happens in worship on a regular basis. You might have a keen sense of your assembly’s particular strengths and challenges. This resource is for you, a tool to help broaden and deepen these conversations.

    You might be part of a congregation that has found itself in conflict. Perhaps a line has been drawn in the sand between “contemporary” and “traditional” worship. Many might desire worship renewal, yet are struggling to find a way through labels and assumptions. This resource is for you, a tool to frame difficult conversations.

    You might be part of a congregation that faithfully worships each week but doesn’t gather regularly to talk about it. You might wonder how initiating such conversations might both affirm and challenge you. This resource is for you, a tool to open you up to new possibilities. 

    Download Resource Here
    RESOURCES:  Talking Politics in Church
    As we head into another hotly-contested election season, we tend to see a rise in questions about permissible versus impermissible political activities. Tom Cunniff, Associate General Council for the ELCA offers resources to help guide conversation and answer questions:
    Employment Opportunities
     
    Non-rostered positions available

    Preschool Director 
    St Mark's Lutheran, Aurora

    Youth and Outreach Program Director
    Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

    High School Program Director
    Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

    Choir Accompanist 
    Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO

    Part Time Office Manager
    St Mark Lutheran Church, Aurora, CO

    Early Learning Center Director
    Christ the King Lutheran Church, Durango, CO

    Office of the Bishop This Week
     
    Bishop Gonia

    • Theological Conference
    • UMC Rocky Mountain Bishop Installation
    • Good Shepherd, Glenwood Springs, CO
    Pastor Kent Mueller
    • Theological Conference
    • Vacation

    Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM

    • Theological Conference
    • Policy Committee meetings

    Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-CO

    • Theological Conference 
    • Hunger Free Colorado Summit
     
    Pastor Judith VanOsdol
    • Theological Conference
    • HKBP, Denver, CO
    • Mustard Seed House Churches, Fort Collins, CO

    Erin Power, Diaconal Minister

    • Theological Conference
    • Hunger Network Gathering

       Pastor Sarah Moening

      • Theological Conference
      • Congregation Development Institute, Evanston, WY
      • Mount of Olives, Rock Springs, WY

      Andy Sprain

      • Theological Conference
      • Faith Formation 1-1 meetings
      • Rainbow Trail Board Meeting

      Quick Links
       
      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.