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| September 25,
2007 |
eConnection
eNewsletter of
the Rocky Mountain Synod |
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The Brand
Campaign is underway. During September over 1.8 million ads will be
displayed online on AOL and Denver Post websites. Newspaper ads will
be noticed millions of times. Billboards and bus ads will be viewed
millions of times. We all know that won't instantly bring folks in
church doors, but it will strengthen an awareness of the ministry
and work of the ELCA. And it is providing our metro Denver
congregations the opportunity to reflect on how to be more proactive
in inviting and welcoming others. (Did you see the ads in the
Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News this
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Prayers | |
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Pastor Dana
Lee Simon, Elim Lutheran Church, Ogden, UT, works on a Habitat for
Humanity house in West Salt Lake City on Friday, Sept. 14, Holy Cross Day,
as part of the Lutheran/Thrivent project. (Photo by Jeffrey
Louden)
Eighteenth Sunday
after Pentecost
Holy God,
you reach out in love through
Jesus Christ to save us so that we may live as faithful servants of you
alone. Unchain us from our desire for wealth and power so that we may, in
turn, release others from the prisons of poverty, hunger and
oppression.
Amen
Prayer from Revised Common
Lectionary Prayers,
Consultation on English Texts,
2002.
-Prayers for the Betela Seminary community We have
received the sad news that a student from Betela Seminary died on Sept 13.
She was from Sambava and was pregnant. The baby had died in utero, and
when they operated, the mother died from a pre-existing heart condition.
At the family's request, the body was transported back to Sambava for
burial. We surround the Betela Seminary community with our prayers. Betela
Seminary, in Madagascar, is in one of our companion synods.
Synod Prayer
Cycle: Metro South Conference
During the month September, we give
thanks for the ministry of our congregations and rostered leaders in the
Metro South Conference. You are encouraged to include these congregations
and leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. Click here for the
prayer list for September
. Please consider including the October
prayer list in your October newsletter.
to remember in
prayer at worship on 9/30
Prince of Peace Denver,
CO
.....Sung Yong (Kevin) Cho
Risen Lord Conifer,
CO
.....Beth Graham
Saint Peter Greenwood Village,
CO
.....David Risendal
St. Phillip Littleton,
CO
.....Nathan Doerr, Sara Wirth
"For the
living of these days..."
prayers for ministries & meetings
this week:
- Bishop Allan Bjornberg - Continuation of Metro South
Conference Retreat; Zion 125th Anniversary, Salt Lake City, Utah;
Wyoming Conference Retreat, Thermopolis, Wyoming
- Madelyn Busse - Continuation of the Contemplative Retreat,
Sacred Heart; Women in Ministry Retreat, St. Malo, Estes Park, Colorado;
Lord of the Hills Conference Retreat, Centennial, Colorado
- Jim Hytjan - Continue the meeting with HKBP Lutheran, Seattle,
WA; Multi-cultural meeting with Good Shepherd, Cristo Rey and Lutheran
Church of the Resurrection, Denver/Lakewood
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Rocky Mountain Synod | |
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in this section new
items are printed in blue 
"Dying to Live: A Migrant's Journey"
Immigration is a complex issue that is changing the face of
cultures worldwide. In the United States, it is often a controversial
issue with many social, economic, political and even religious
implications. In the midst of the debate, what often gets lost are the
human issues at stake.
"Dying to Live" is a profound look at
the human face of the immigrant. It explores who these people are, why
they leave their homes and what they face in their journey. Drawing on the
insights of Pulitzer Prize winning photographers, theologians, Church and
congregational leaders, activists, musicians, and the immigrants
themselves, this film exposes the places of conflicts, pain and hope along
the US-Mexico border. It is a reflection on the human struggle for a more
dignified life and the search to find God in the midst of that
struggle.
The Rocky Mountain Synod Immigration and Border Issues
Task Force is making several copies of the DVD: "Dying to Live: A
Migrant's Journey" available through the synod resource library. To
borrow a copy, call Janice Ladd-Horkey or Willie Hobbs at 303-777 6700
(800-525-0462). This film, which puts a human face on the migrant and the
face of Christ in the migrant, has been nominated as best documentary by
World Hunger Year. For more information about the film, go to http://dyingtolive.nd.ed
u .
Senior High Gathering registration is underway!
The annual
senior high gathering takes place November 16-18 at the YMCA of the
Rockies under the theme, "Connected." Information about the gathering, as
well as all the information you need for registration is posted
online. The registration deadline is October 15. A gathering poster
will be mailed to each congregation this week, but you may also download
it.
Landscape reproducible newsletter ready
A one page, two
sided newsletter called the Rocky Mountain Synod Landscape is ready
for you to reproduce in your October newsletter or insert in a Sunday
bulletin. It is designed to use either flat or folded, depending on the
size of your bulletin or newsletter. It highlights coming events and
synod-wide news. You are encouraged to use it in your congregation! Download
a .pdf copy.
Download Daily
Bread Newsletter Now!
In the past, each congregation
received one hard copy of Daily Bread by snail mail. To save printing and
postage, please download the most recent issue now as a .pdf file. Copy it
and see that it reaches your hunger contact, outreach committee, and
others interested.
RMSWO Announces Its Fall 2007 Gathering
Titled "Healthy Spirits:
Body & Soul"
LADIES! Take a journey to increase your spiritual,
emotional and physical wellness with keynote speaker Beth Walker,
certified life coach, and your synod sisters at the Rocky Mountain
Synodical Women's Organization's 2007 Fall Gathering, "Healthy Spirits:
Body & Soul". The event will take place October 5 & 6
at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. All
women and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more
information, please visit
the website.
Ending Hunger: Mission Possible
The Rocky Mountain Synod Hunger
Network, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado and the Global Mission
Committee are co-sponsoring a second Ending Hunger Summit. This
year's event will take place on Saturday, October 27, at Bethany
Lutheran Church (Cherry Hills Village) and will focus on the GOOD NEWS
that ending hunger is really possible if we each take concrete steps to
change ourselves, our communities and our world!
The planning
committee is exploring the possibility of organizing a "youth track"
designed for middle and high school students (featuring hands-on service
opportunities). If you are interested in bringing youth to the Ending
Hunger summit, please contact Kayla Aspeslagh (kayla@lordofthehills.org
or 303.726.7944).
Registration packets have now been mailed to
all Colorado congregations but if you or your congregation did not receive
the information , please contact Willie Hobbs to request a packet. You can
reach Willie by email at whobbs@rmselca.org or by phone at
303-777-6700 (800-525-0462). The registration brochure is also available
online.
At the Rocky Mountain Synod's website, not only will
you find information as a flyer
or bulletin
insert but you may also register online. Just go to the Synod's
home page.
Domestic Hunger Grants Bring Hope!
In 2007, $34,500 of World
Hunger Appeal contributions came back to the Rocky Mountain Synod through
domestic hunger grants awarded to twelve agencies and one congregation!
These dollars are hard at work throughout the territory of the synod
providing immediate relief, sustainable development, and advocacy for
programs that improve the lives of people living in poverty.
If you
know of congregations or agencies that might want to apply for a Domestic
Hunger Grant, NOW is the time to refer them to the following website: www.elca.org/grantinghope
. This site provides information about the process and application
criteria.
The application is available online or you may contact
Ms. Johnnie Thompson at 800.638.3522 ext. 2693 or
Johnnie.Thompson@elca.org to receive a paper copy and receive answers to
any questions.
Applications must be postmarked by October 1 and
mailed to the domestic hunger office (no faxes or
emails) . Following an extensive selection process, recipients
will be notified and checks mailed out next May. There are many needs in
our synod. Don't overlook this possibility for receiving a grant to help
meet those needs!
Update Your Congregation's Constitution
Check the RMS website
for the five required Constitutional Amendments for Congregations as
approved at the 2007 Churchwide Assembly. Go to the Leadership tab,
then find the list of Constitution Resources to locate the 2007 file.
Contact your Synod Secretary, Katherine Cruson (303-696-7430), if you have
questions.
Lay Male Nominee Needed for Candidacy Committee
Nominees are
welcome for a lay male Candidacy Committee opening. Qualities needed:
Ability to listen, discern and engage in theological reflection with
candidates for ordained, consecrated and commissioned ministry.
Familiarity with Lutheran theological tradition and congregational life.
An understanding of and ability to recognize the qualities needed for
public ministry and leadership. Ability to attend four, two-day meetings
per year which are typically held on week-days. (Jan, Apr, Aug, and
Nov.)
The upcoming vacancy is from the front range of Colorado, but
nominees from all conferences may be considered. Please send the name and
contact information on nominees, along with a brief descriptive paragraph,
to Bishop Allan Bjornberg, allan_bjornberg@rmselca.org, or Madelyn
Busse, mbusse@rmselca.org by November 1. Please call Madelyn
Busse at 303 777 6700 (800-525-0462) with any questions or to discuss
possible nominees.
Vision, Passion, Action Blog
A "blog" is short for "web log" and
it is a way to invite conversation about topics and issues. The new RMS
weblog is designed to facilitate conversation about the Vision, Passion,
Action process. The address of the RMS blog is www.rmselca.blogspot.com.
If you post a comment please include your name and congregation. If you
would like to post an entry, send your entry to
kmueller@rmselca.org.
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Announcements | |
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in this section, new
items are printed in blue
Fernando Ortega Concert in Colorado Springs, October
5
Nationally-acclaimed Christian artist Fernando Ortega will be
appearing in concert on Friday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Bethel
Lutheran Church, 4925 Farmingdale Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80917.
Tickets are only $15 each and will be sold on a first- come, first-served
basis. Please invite your friends, neighbors and family to this incredible
opportunity! You may stop by the church office to purchase tickets (Monday
- Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or mail a check made out to Bethel, indicating
the number of tickets desired, with a self-addressed, stamped envelope,
and tickets will be mailed to you. If you have any questions, please call
719-570-9800 during office hours. Click here to download
a poster of Fernando.
2007/2008 College Fair for High School
Students
Students and their parents are invited to attend a college
fair on Sunday, October 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Four Points
by Sheraton Hotel. The hotel is located at 6363 East Hampden Avenue in
Denver (Interstate 25 and East Hampden Avenue). A reception will be
included and hors d'oeuvres will be served.
During the fair, you
can attend workshops on topics such as College and Career Planning and
Financial Aid, and you can meet with college representatives. The event is
free and there's no need to pre-register. Check out the
website for details on the fair.
All families attending a
college fair event will receive four application fee waivers applicable
for Lutheran colleges and universities listed on the fee waiver.
Sunday Scientist Symposium at Spirit of the Desert,
AZ
ELCA's Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology is sponsoring
a "Sunday Scientist Symposium" beginning Friday, October 12 through
Sunday, October 14 at the Spirit in the Desert retreat/conference
center in Carefree, Arizona, for interested clergy and scientists. The
topic is Christ, Cosmology and Creation. For more information, contact Dr.
Karl V. Evans, at 303-236-5625 during the day and at 303-989-6697 in the
evening. You may also get information and register by going to the Faith,
Science and Technology webpage.
Come Celebrate New Beginnings Church
On Saturday,
October 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., please gather at Holy Cross
Lutheran Church to celebrate the life of New Beginnings Church and give
thanks for the wonderful support of the community. Holy Cross is located
at 4500 Wadsworth Boulevard in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
You are
invited to dine on a simple supper, enjoy music, view PowerPoint pictures
of the inside worship, and hear ex-offenders sharing their experiences of
this ministry. Jeanette's DVD titled "WE", will be showing to help
viewers understand how important the support of "community" is to inmates
before they are released and after they return to society as active and
worthwhile participants. If you are interested in joining us for this
celebration of life, please RSVP to Kathy at 303-831-7023.
Holy Trinity Presents a Concert by "Lost and
Found"
The musical group "Lost and Found" will perform in
concert November 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,
6322 South Lakeview in Littleton, Colorado. The cost for the evening's
entertainment is $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. Children age 8
and under get in free. For more information, please contact the church at
303-798-1356.
Lutheran Coalition for Reform (CoRe) meets Oct. 30
You are
invited to become a part of a Rocky Mountain Synod chapter of Lutheran
CoRe (Lutheran Coalition for Reform). Lutheran CoRe is a coalition of
pastors, lay people, congregations, and reforming groups. They seek to
preserve within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America the authority
of the Word of God according to the Lutheran confessions. Their intention
is to remain within the church to work with congregations, individuals,
and other reform-minded groups for the reform of the ELCA. You are invited
to attend the next meeting on Tuesday, October 30, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., at
Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church, 21755 E. Smoky Hill Road, Centennial,
CO.
Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy (FRLC) Retreat
Announced
January 13-17, 2008, the Fellowship of Recovering
Lutheran Clergy is having a retreat at Spirit in the Desert Center in
Carefree, Arizona. The retreat is an opportunity to explore the
connections of the 12 Steps, the Biblical witness, theological reflection,
and stories of recovery. More information about FRLC can be found at www.frlc.org
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ELCA Churchwide | |
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"Understanding
Fundamentalism"
Mosaic Television brings to
us a new, half hour documentary which helps viewers better understand the
story behind the rise of fundamentalism and the later evangelical
movement, so that Christians, liberal and conservative, can find ways to
open doors of dialogue and ecumenical fellowship.
"Understanding
Fundamentalism" unpacks the use of the name "evangelical" and touches on
the unique roles played by Pentecostal and African American churches in
the story of fundamentalism. It also looks at examples of ELCA Lutherans
and conservative Christians working together across denominational lines
in healthy ways. Finally, the program discusses the rise of religious
fundamentalist extremism and its impact on Christians in the Middle
East.
You may purchase a DVD copy and/or view the program in a high
resolution flash format as well as check out the user's guide and
transcript at: www.elca.org/mosaic/Fundamentalism/video.html
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Resources | |
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Voice of Hope: LIRS Newsletter
Each month except January, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
publishes two online articles - "From the President's Desk" and "Advocacy
Update." Three times each year, those columns also appear their print
newsletter, Voices of Hope. Subscribers to the print version of Voices of
Hope will receive those three print issues. Subscribers to the electronic
version will receive a monthly e-mail reminder when the online articles
are posted. Those subscribed to both will receive both.
To
subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription options and
information, visit www.lirs.org/voices.
You are encouraged to subscribe as we continue to work for justice around
immigration and border issues in the Rocky Mountain Synod.
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Upcoming Events | |
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Wrestling with Faith and Spirituality as Survivors of
Trauma
and Maltreatment
Each Sunday at 9:15 a.m. from September 9 to
November 4. Also spiritual direction groups for survivors and those
who care for survivors on Saturday, October 6 and 20 from 1:00 p.m.
to 3:00 p.m. Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 6400 South University
Blvd in Centennial, CO. For more information, please call Beth Rietz at
(303)794-3451.
The "On Sacred Ground" Conference Is Nearly Here
"On
Sacred Ground: Faith and the Environment". conference will be held in
Lander, September 27-29 All information, including the registration
form for this event, can be found at www.wcvedfund.org
Faith Dialogues: Call to Conversation About Iraq
Bethany
Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, will hold a Faith Dialogue event on
Friday, September 28 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM and Saturday, September
29 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. For more information or to register,
call 303-639-4349 or email rit@bethany-denver.org.
Log
Furniture Building: September 28 - 30
Ladies don't be left out of
this opportunity. Men and women are welcome to participate in this
retreat at Lutheran Ranches of the Rockies. Call the office (970-493-5258)
or go to the website ( LdoubleR.org
) to get more information.
Stirring Up the Spirit of the
City
Metro Denver Lutherans are invited to join together for an
informational and visionary gathering on Saturday, September 29,
from 9:30a-11am, at Cristo Rey Lutheran Church (501 Raleigh St., Denver)
Please call Pastor Jay McDivitt (303.936.4859) with any
questions.
RTLC Wearever Contest
Do you have a great
photo of yourself wearing Rainbow Trail gear somewhere unique and cool?
Enter it into the RTLC Wearever Contest. Send to dave@rainbowtrail.org by
September 30, 2007. For more contest details, click
here.
Augustana Presents! A Concert for the Community
On September 30 at 3 p.m., a concert titled "Now Thank
We All Our God" will be presented by the Augustana Lutheran Church
Chamber Choir at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver.
Please call the church (303-388-4678 for more information.
A
Celebration of Music and Art in Colorado Springs
First Lutheran
Church, 1515 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, invites you to a festival
of hymns celebrating the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal on
Sunday, September 30 at 4 p.m. A fine arts show will take place the
same day from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Both events are free and open to the
public.
New Youth Program from Habitat is Called "Youth
United"
This fall, Habitat is starting a new program called "Youth
United". Informational sessions will be held on Oct. 1st and
Oct. 3rd at 7 p.m. at the Daniel's Fund Building, 101 Monroe St.,
Denver, CO 80206. Please check
out the flyer which provided additional information about Youth United
and the info sessions.
Beyond Divorce: Rebuilding When Your
Relationship Ends
Each Tuesday from October 2 through
December 11 (no class on October 30) from 6:60 p.m. until 8:30
p.m., Paul and Beth Walker will be facilitating a Divorce Recovery
Workshop. Classes are held at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, located
at 3350 East White Bay Drive in Highlands Ranch, Colorado (303-794-2683).
Please call the church to reserve your place. For more information, call
Jenny Ricklefs, 303- 794-2683, ext 106.
Doing Justice:
Congregations & Community Organizing
An introductory workshop
on congregation based community organizing will be held on Friday,
October 5 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church,
915 E. Ninth Avenue in Denver. Pr. Dennis Jacobsen will lead the
discussion. Please contact 303-831-7023 for more
information.
Coyote Howl Confirmation Retreat: October
5-7
LAST OPPORTUNITY for CONFIRMATION CLASS THIS YEAR! ( LdoubleR.org
)
Marathon of Giving!
Support the great ministries of
Rainbow Trail while you support Dave Jarvis (camp director) during his
latest marathon this October 7th in the Chicago Marathon. (Click
here to download the form.)
The Grace Race
RTLC is
hosting the Grace Race to benefit World Hunger. The race begins at 3:00
p.m. on Sunday, October 14th at Sloan's Lake Park in Denver (the
southwest edge of the lake). Click
here for more information and to download the Grace Race brochure. Click
here to download the release waiver.
Welcoming and
Affirming Ecumenical Leadership Training Set for October 18
Christ
Lutheran Church, Santa Fe is hosting the Reconciling in Christ (RIC)
Ecumenical Leadership Training sponsored by Lutherans Concerned /North
America (LC/NA) from October 18 - 21. More information can be found
on the LC/NA website: www.lcna.org
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Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge Announces Art and Craft
Fair
October 19th and 20th. Please contact Scott Moore at
Scott_E_Moore@msn.com for more information.
Common
Mission Amidst Diversity: Utah Conference Event
The Utah Conference
is hosting a day of reflection featuring Dr. Phyllis Anderson, President
of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, California. The event
will be held on Saturday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Zion
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1070 Foothill Boulevard, Salt Lake City. Utah
Conference congregations are invited and should make reservations through
their congregation.
Seminary Sampler: A Taste of LSTC
The Lutheran School of
Theology at Chicago is offering two opportunities to visit the campus. The
Fall Sampler is from October 27 to October 29, 2007. The Spring
Sampler is from March 1 to March 3, 2008. For more information, please
go to the LTSC website: www.lstc.edu
Rainbow
Trail Confirmation Retreat
November 2-4, 2007 , For more
information, visit the Rainbow Trail website at www.rainbowtrail.org.
Youth Director Retreat at Sky Ranch
The retreat is
Monday, Nov. 5 through Wednesday, Nov. 7. It's a free
retreat for professional youth workers and adult volunteers. Get details
at www.LdoubleR.org
Rainbow Trail Confirmation Retreat
January 4-6, 2008
, For more information, visit the Rainbow Trail website at www.rainbowtrail.org.
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Kent Mueller
phone: 303-777-6700
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