Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

Holy God,
all our worship is met by the cleansing gaze of your passion for justice. Enfold us in your grace that we may embody our devotion in acts of justice and in defense of the helpless, to the glory of your name.
Amen

Prayer from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers,
Consultation on English Texts, 2002.

Two El Paso News Articles...
Pastor Wayne Kendrick periodically sends links about the people and ministries of El Paso in preparation for our 2009 Assembly in El Paso:

The first link concerns funding by means of a constitutional amendment for water for colonias and other areas with no potable water. In the article Border Interfaith is mentioned. Peace is a member of Border Interfaith and Shepherd of the Valley is working with Border Interfaith (Border Interfaith is a broad-based organization affiliated with the Industrial Areas Foundation for community organizing). Note that some families have lived without these services for 20 years and that 3,000 families in El Paso county have no potable water and 9,000 lack wastewater treatment. The second article is a historical piece on illegal immigration by one of El Paso's foremost historians.

Lay Male and Female Nominees Needed for the Candidacy Committee
Nominees are welcome for both a lay male and a lay female for two Candidacy Committee openings. Qualities needed include: 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 vacancies are 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.

Where in the world did RMS folks reach out this summer?
We know that a lot of congregations were planning mission trips, service projects, and immersions. We'd like to highlight those trips and have created an easy form for you to click and complete to submit info about your trip. Please share your stories!

Video Contest:
How to Spot a Lutheran in the West
Two minute videos that capture the spirit of our "Lutheran Identity" in the Rocky Mountain Synod are to be submitted by April 1, 2008. The video may be a commercial, skit, story, song, art piece or any other means and will be judged in the areas of Lutheran identity, evangelism, diversity, variety of ages involved, and creativity. Prizes will be announced at Synod Assembly in May. First place will receive $1,000, second $600, third $250, fourth $150 (made out to the sponsoring congregation or ministry group.) The prize money is provided by a grant from ELCA Synodical Relations in support of communicating Lutheran identity within the synod. Download the details!

The Middle School Youth Gathering Registration is Underway!
The Junior High/Middle School Youth Gathering will take place January 11-13, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Re gistration is now open! Be reminded that one adult must register for every four youth of the same gender. The "early bird" registration deadline is October 31 (and save $10 each!). Regular registration deadline is December 10.

The Planning Team is looking for someone to help with taking video and editing it during the weekend. Ideally, this person would help during large group to do some "live" video of the gathering participants and speakers to put up on the big screen for large group times.

Also, the planning team is looking for EMT's (emergency medical technicians) who can be present to help in case of emergency. In the past, the Gathering has been fortunate to have folks who were participating in the weekend activities, but this year the Team is looking for a couple of dedicated medical technicians or emergency nurses who could be available throughout the weekend. Please contact Kim Sandfort at kimclym@qwest.net if you or someone you know would be interested.

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. A gathering poster was mailed to each congregation on September 21, but you may also download it.

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.

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, 6322 South Lakeview St. Littleton, CO 80127.For more information, please contact the church at 303-798-1356.

Rainbow Trail Confirmation Retreat
November 2-4, 2007 , For more information, visit the Rainbow Trail website at www.rainbowtrail.org.

Global Health Ministries Event at Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge
Rev. Tim Iverson, Executive Director of GHM in Minneapolis, is coming to Holy Cross on Sunday, November 4. A "Growing in Mission" campaign program and complimentary, catered dinner will be presented in the Holy Cross fellowship hall from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. on the same Sunday. Sign up for the dinner by calling Mary Kvamme at 303-421-8392 by October 28. Thrivent policy holders' gifts to GHM may be matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

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

Lutheran World Relief Fair Trade Fair is Nov 17 & 18 at
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church
You're invited to a Lutheran World Relief Fair Trade Fair and Craft and Bake Sale on Saturday, November 17 from 9:00 am to noon and Sunday, November 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 12099 Lowell Blvd in Broomfield, one block north of 120th Avenue. Phone 303-469-4004 for more information.

Rainbow Trail Confirmation Retreat
January 4-6, 2008 . For more information, visit the Rainbow Trail website at www.rainbowtrail.org.