Through the storms of life, O God, you are with your people in the person of Jesus your Son. Calm our fears and strengthen our faith that we may never doubt his presence among us but proclaim that he is your Son, risen from the dead, living for ever and ever. Amen. 

Lloyd Leo Luedeman, a former member of King of Kings Lutheran Church, Pueblo, CO, and candidate in the Rocky Mountain Synod, has been called to serve Bethany Lutheran Church of the Keweenaw located in Mohawk, MI, in the Northern Great Lakes Synod. His ordination and installation will occur on August 16 at 11:00 a.m. by Bishop Tom Skrenes and Pastor Mark Crates of King of Kings has been invited to preach.

Ordination of Kate Murray Set

Kate Murray, former candidate in the Rocky Mountain Synod with her home church at Holy Cross, Albuquerque, NM, has been called to Hope Lutheran Church in Clinton, MD (a congregation in the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Synod).  Her ordination has been scheduled for August 23 at 2:00 p.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Chagrin Falls, OH (her internship congregation).  Bishop Richard Graham (Metro D.C.) will be presiding.

Synod Prayer Cycle:  North Colorado Conference
You are encouraged to include these  leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer lists for August and September are available. Please consider including the leaders on these prayer lists in your newsletters and bulletins as a means of connecting your congregations with others in the Rocky Mountain Synod.
 
to remember in prayer at worship on 08/10
 

First  Ault, CO
     Matt Converse
Immanuel  Greeley, CO
      Jose (Abe) Gonzales
King of Glory  Loveland, CO
      Susan Candea
Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer Fort Morgan, CO

AUGUST 17-24
ELCA's Civic Engagement Tour - Colorado
A number of sites within the Rocky Mountain Synod have been set up to facilitate discussions on topics like permissible non-partisan electoral activities for churches, how and why we are called to be a public church and why the ELCA advocates. Please click on this link to find more information and to see the schedule for forums.

Miracle of the Border
Welcome to El Paso 2009
Thursday, April 30 - Saturday, May 2 2009

 

Registration Has Begun!  

Registration for the El Paso Assembly, April 30 - May 2, 2009, is underway. In order to secure appropriate travel arrangements, every congregation should be identifying their voting members as soon as possible. Register now. 

The synod office has secured some group reservation opportunities departing from Denver on United Airlines (the only nonstop flights). You may secure those reservations on the assembly online registration form (first come, first serve). Because nearly everyone will be travelling long distances, we regret that travel equalization funds will not be available.

Read an Article About the History of El Paso
Pastor Wayne Kendrick, Peace Lutheran Church, El Paso, TX, invites you to read a brief history of what role the Rio Grande has played in El Paso's and Juarez's development.  

 

We are ready to help as many congregations as we can with their care of creation and their ministry for the benefit of God's good earth. At the 2008 RMS Assembly in Denver, $2,137 was received through an offering for the Rocky Mountain Synod Green Grants.  It is now our great joy to give this money away to congregations who wish to become better stewards, advocates and examples of discipleship for the care of the world.
 
For more information on such things as the application process, amount of grants available to a congregation and how the grants should be used, etc., please visit the Creation Care web page.  

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RMS Green Grants and COIPL Eco-Audits Go Hand-in-Hand     

The Rocky Mountain Synod is partnering with Colorado Interfaith Power and Light to provide interested congregations with a low-cost, quantitative analysis of their energy use and costs, plus options for reducing energy consumption and estimates of reduced energy costs. For information on how the Eco Audit Program works regarding congregations (and individuals), please click here. For  more information about Colorado Interfaith Power & Light and other programs that they offer, you may visit their website: www.coipl.org .

Pastor Jean de Dieu Razafimahatratra
President of the Avaratra-Atsinanana Synod

Lutheran Ranches of Rockies  (Youth Event)
Mme.  Holiharifetra Rakotondramiadana
Professor of New Testament,
Betela Lutheran Regional Seminary
 
Atonement Lutheran - Lakewood, CO
Pastor Daniel Rakotoarijaona
Assistant Director of Project Shalom

King of Kings - Pueblo, CO
Mme. Noeline Lucie Rasoanandrasana
Director of Women's Studies,
Betela Lutheran Regional Seminary
 
St. Paul Lutheran - Albuquerque, NM 

Pastor Joseph Ralaivao
President of the Antsiranana Synod
 
St. Timothy Lutheran - El Paso, TX
Pastor Georges Ramampiaro
Director Betela Lutheran Regional Seminary
 

High School Retreat Event with Guests from Madagascar
 
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp
August 8 - 10, 2008
 
The event begins with dinner at 6 p.m. on Friday and will conclude on Sunday following brunch and worship (no lunch will be served).
 
Participants will be camping, so bring tents and sleeping bags. Meals will be provided.

Partners from our companion sister synod in Madagascar will be visiting the Rocky Mountain Synod in August and we have planned a special retreat just for high school youth and their leaders. This will be a fun and educational weekend centered on community building and learning about our Malagasy brothers and sisters and their amazing faith.
 
Leaders will include our special guest Mme Holiharifetra Rakotondramiadana - we call her "Holi"!  (pronouced hoo-li), Malagasy exchange counselors, Sky Ranch staff with Madagascar experiences, and Northern Colorado Youth Ministry leaders.
 
We will focus not only on building community locally, but also on understanding our role and place in our global community as we "accompany" one another in our shared faith and ministry.
 
Cost for meals and camping Friday evening through Sunday breakfast and worship is a bargain at $38 per person! To register contact Julie at info@LdoubleR.org  or call 970-493-5258.

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High School Youth Gathering

FEAR NOT! is a command from our Lord and the theme of both the 2008 Rocky Mountain Synod Senior High Youth Gathering and also for the 2009 Middle/Junior High School Youth Gathering.
 
The High School Gathering will once again be at the YMCA Camp of the Rockies and will take place from November 21 - 23. The Planning Team expects that registration will begin September 15 and close on or around October 16. Be sure to begin the process of obtaining background checks for adults who are attending. Information is online.


 

Middle/Junior High School
Youth Gathering    

FEAR NOT! is a command from our Lord and the theme of the 2008 Rocky Mountain Synod Senior High Youth Gathering and the 2009 Middle/Junior High School Youth Gathering.
 
The Middle School/ Junior High School Youth Gathering will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs January 16 - 18, 2009.

Online early registration is expected to begin October 15 and end November 1 at $95 per person. Final registration deadline will be December 15 at $105 per person. It is imperative that the email of the "primary leader" attending the event from a congregation be used since the registrar will be sending confirmations within 48 hours of receiving the registration information.
 
Change from previous years: Event registration will be limited to just 1300 participants due to safety and hotel requirements, and spaces will be filled according to the date the registrations are received. Remember that the adult (21 years or older) to youth ratio is one adult for every four youth of the same gender. Background check information is posted online.

  

The Book of Faith initiative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America invites the whole church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, and empowered by the Word.
 
Below begins a list of resources that are currently available or are planned for future publication to support the Book of Faith initiative. The ELCA is partnering with Augsburg Fortress to encourage synods to have their congregations sign up to be a Book of Faith congregation.
 
Opening the Book of Faith is an invitation to experience the Bible as a book of faith. It provides an introduction to the Bible and Lutheran perspectives that guide understanding of Scripture. This book explores four methods of Bible study and then applies each method to four Scripture texts. Two assessment tools also aid reflection and discussion about Bible usage, needs, and hopes.
 
Available now
The Opening the Book of Faith Course is the first step for those preparing to launch Book of Faith in their synods and/or in local congregations. This seven-session course introduces practical methods and approaches to studying Scripture, and then reinforces the basics of scriptural interpretation with four integrated studies that build biblical fluency. Important communication tools, study principles, and discussion methods are unpacked for participants in a flexible, conversational format.

Available in September
The Rediscovering the Book of Faith Course is an excellent way to launch the Book of Faith initiative in your congregation. This three-session study explores how the Bible came to be our Book of Faith by providing an introduction of the creation, collection, and canonization of Scripture. Participants will discover where the Bible came from, will better understand how it was put together, and will examine the contribution the Reformation made toward scriptural literacy. With discussion-starting video clips and an easy-to-follow class plan, this course encourages participants to engage in reflection and discussion.

 

Remember that there will be other supporting components for the Book of Faith Initiative that will be published well into 2009, so please continue to check out the website from time to time.

Deadline for receiving resumes/mobility papers is Monday, August 18.The complete position description with qualifications and the application procedure is posted at: www.rmselca.org/RMSyouthhousehold  

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Director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - Colorado

 
A complete position description with application procedure is available at: www.rmselca.org/advocacy   
The deadline for applications is September 1, 2008.   Rostered persons must also submit mobility papers in the usual manner through their bishop's office.

Sept 6, 2008 - Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, CO (Denver area), 9:30 - 11:30

Sept 13, 2008 - All Saints Lutheran Church, Albuquerque, NM, 9:30 - 11:30

The ELCA Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality addresses a wide range of topics that affect members of the ELCA in their daily lives. It is not too early to download the draft document for review. 
 
Sample one page publicity pieces for newsletters, bulletins, etc., may be found at www.elca.org/faithfuljourney/publicity/  .

Everyone is encouraged to download a copy of the statement at the ELCA website and come prepared to share their thoughts at the hearings. Congregations are encouraged to have study group conversations prior to the hearings.

(The Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality is expected to be released in early February of 2009.)
 

Ending Hunger Summit  

 

    

 

 

 

8:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113

 

More information will be published as the event approaches. Stay tuned!  

 

from a Latin American prayer: "....that those that hunger will find food and those who have food will find a hunger for justice."     

 

 

Denver Congregation Seeks Curriculum or Funds

 

Celebration of "New Ministry" for
Ascension St. Matthew's in Price, Utah

The congregation of Ascension St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Price Utah is pleased to host the "Celebration of New Ministry" event for Pastor James Drury on Saturday, September 27. Anyone wishing to receive more information on their grand celebration event may call the church office at 435-637-0106. 

 

 

LSS of Utah Rocky Boy (Stone Child) Indian Reservation Retreat (Montana)

September 20 - 26

LSS of Utah Mayan Indian Village Retreat (World's Largest Kite Festival
October 30 - November 8

 

El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico Border Retreat/Immersion
April 22 - 30, 2009 (Sponsored by Lutheran Social Service of Utah)

Al Staggs at Prince of Peace, Denver  

 

Join the congregation of Prince of Peace for two special events presented by Al Staggs. Dinner and a humorous presentation on "Laughter for Life," showing the importance of humor in aiding spiritual, emotional and physical health will be on Saturday, October 18 at 5:30 p.m. ($10/person).
 
On Sunday, October 19 at the 10:00 worship service Al will present "A View from the Underside: The Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer", a one-person play depicting the story of a Christian hero who lost his life standing up to the Nazi Regime. The audience is brought into the prison cell where Bonhoeffer awaits execution and listens to his struggles with evil, injustice and God. 
 
Prince of Peace is located at 2400 South Colorado Boulevard (80222). For more information, please call the church office: 303-759-2522.

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Trinity Lutheran Church (NE corner of Pine and Broadway in downtown Boulder) is pleased to announce the beginning of Year Two of the world-renowned "Voice For Life" graded choir curriculum. This music education program teaches children from kindergarten through high school the fundamentals of music within a choir setting. Amy Potterton, the director, will host a parental information night on Wednesday, August 27 at 5:30 p.m.
 
Assessments to have your child placed in the proper skill level will happen September 3. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 17 with the semester ending at the afternoon concert on December 14. Fall performances include October 26 and November 16 during the morning worship services. Cost is $120/child/semester and includes a light supper in addition to all materials and the use of a choir robe. This fine musical education program is open to everyone.
 
For more information and to register, please go to www.trinityboulder.org or call 303-442-2300.

 

+ Sound interesting so far? 

 

From September 11-14, Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp presents "Faith on the Fairways" which will offer you the opportunity to play 45 holes of golf while finding the relationships held between our lives of faith and time spent in the game.    Rocky Mountain Synod Bishop Allan Bjornberg will be the study leader and lead retreat participants in a weekend of faith, fellowship and deepening our relationships with Christ. For more information, please visit www.rainbowtrail.org/mens_retreats.html or call Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp at 719-942-4220.

 

American Indian Cultural (Spiritual)
Values and American Society 

 

American Indian religious traditions have become a constant source of fascination for modern American peoples. Like the Greeks under Roman rule, the conquered have become elevated, at least their spiritual values have become elevated, to a surreal status. The truth is that Indian peoples continue today to share a culture that is radically different from white American culture in several important respects.
 
Dr. Tink Tinker, ELCA pastor and Professor of American Indian Cultures and Religious Traditions at Iliff School of Theology, will present a lecture in a dinner presentation of the Multicultural Mosaic Foundation. It takes place September 6 at 6:00 p.m.   For reservations email contact@mosaicfoundation.org     

 

Multicultural Mosaic Foundation Calendar of Events  

 

For more information about the event and the Multicultural Mosaic Foundation, please visit their website: http://www.mosaicfoundation.org/joomla/

  

Musical Group "Lost and Found" - in Concert
What's better than watching and listening to THE LUTHERAN SONG by Lost and Found on You Tube?

Watching and listening to THE LUTHERAN SONG by Lost and Found in PERSON at Bethany Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 13 (7:00 p.m.)!


Bethany Lutheran Church presents "Lost and Found" with a special guest appearance by the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The congregation at Bethany, located at 4500 East Hampden Avenue in Cherry Hills Village (80113) is celebrating its centennial with a bang! 
 
You are invited to join them for the concert on Saturday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m. when the concert kicks off. Tickets are available for $10 and may be purchased online by going to www.bethany-denver.org . Youth leaders/directors may contact the church office regarding getting a "bunch" of tickets on consignment. Prior to the concert, pizza and soda will be sold beginning at 6:00 p.m., so it's O.K. to come early and hungry. What a great way to kick off your fall season!
 

Celebrating 100 Years
Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson will be in Denver on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14 in honor of Bethany Lutheran Church's centennial celebration. On Saturday, rostered leaders will be invited to a "Town Hall" question and answer (Q&A) session with the Presiding Bishop (invitations will be sent out via email in July).
 
Following the Q&A, there will be a reception to which rostered leaders and Bethany Lutheran Church congregational members are invited. After the reception, the scene changes to a light snack time for the youth of the Rocky Mountain Synod - just before the concert featuring the music group "Lost and Found". Bishop Hanson will make a special appearance at the concert. Check out the Bethany website for information on tickets and food. On Sunday morning, Bishop Hanson will preach at all three services at Bethany and also attend the annual church picnic.   Information at www.bethany-denver.org.

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"Burnout and Exhaustion are pervasive ailments of Clergy"
 
The Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies will begin its' 14th and 15th Retreat Series in the Rocky Mountain region this August 13 in Casper, Wyoming and September 3 in Evergreen, Colorado. (See details in Wyoming section above.)

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Events