Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA

August 2010
New Coffees Now Available Through Lutheran World Relief

Lutheran World Relief (LWR), an international relief and development organization, and Equal Exchange, a Fair Trade supplier and worker-owned cooperative, are introducing a new line of Fair Trade coffees. This high-quality coffee, available to both individuals and congregations through the LWR Coffee Project,supports small-scale farmers and their communities. "LWR's Fair Trade coffee gives people of faith an ethical option for drinking coffee," said Kattie Somerfeld, LWR's Fair Trade projects coordinator.

The new offerings add to the 45 coffees already sold through the LWR Coffee Project. A sample pack comes with a free tasting kit, including materials to host a tasting event, complete with giveaways and promotional materials. To host an LWR coffee tasting event, call 774-776-7340.

Lutherans have been leading the charge in Fair Trade since 1996, when LWR became the first faith-based organization to establish a Fair Trade coffee project. Today, Lutherans are Equal Exchange's largest group of faith-based customers, purchasing more than 1,100 tons of coffee since the beginning of the project. For each pound of coffee purchased through the LWR coffee project, Equal Exchange contributes 20 cents to the LWR "Small Farmer Fund" for projects supporting small-scale farmers and their families, resulting in over half a million dollars to date.

To order Coffee with a Lutheran Flavor, and for Fair Trade resources, visit www.lwr.org/coffee

August 2010
Trinity - Ft. Collins Has Issued a Challenge to All RMS Congregations
Trinity Lutheran Church
301 East Stuart Street
Ft. Collins, CO 80525

Trinity Lutheran Church in Ft. Collins, CO has lifted up the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI) by duplicating the presentation given at the 2010 Synod Assembly including the role play with balls and nets. Everyone (especially the kids) enjoyed tossing the balls into the congregation.

Trinity's LMI Challenge:

Trinity Lutheran Church-Fort Collins would like to challenge the rest of the Rocky Mountain Synod congregations to join with them in lifting up the Lutheran Malaria Initiative with a minimum donation of $1000 per congregation as a unified effort to proudly display the LMI Pilot Synod banner.

As was done at the Synod Assembly, Trinity has placed jars for spare change in the church, and they are promoting donations via other offerings as well. The congregation has also set up a doll bed, surrounded it with netting and positioned some mosquitoes (pictures that is!) around the bed to remind people of the importance of this initiative.

The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is part of a comprehensive international effort to reduce infant and child mortality by two-thirds and reduce overall incidences of malaria in Africa by 2015. The initiative mobilizes U.S. Lutherans in the global fight against malaria and is a movement led by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Lutheran World Relief. The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is made possible through support from the United Nations Foundation.

August 2010
Middle School Youth Gathering T-shirt Design Contest
Rocky Mountain Synod

Middle Schoolers are invited to design the t-shirt for the Middle School Youth Gathering that will take place January 2011. Just think, 1000 people wearing a shirt YOU designed!

What are the guidelines?
Your design must include the following:

The theme: “Heroes by Faith”. Bible heroes and current day heroes.
The verses “Hebrews 11” & “Philippians 2:4-11” are to inspire your design AND actually be included somewhere in your design.
The front “pocket” design needs to have January 14-16, 2011 RMS Middle School Youth Gathering (or MSYG) and the ELCA logo (found at www.elca.org)

Send computer generated design to pblovinlutheran@yahoo.com or mail hard copy to Kayla Aspeslagh at 506 Via Appia Way , Louisville , CO 80027. Please include your name and contact info. Deadline: October 1, 2010.

If you have any questions contact Kayla at pblovinlutheran@yahoo.com or 303-726-7944.

September 10-12, 2010
One Year To Live Event Set for September
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

The men of First Lutheran Church-Longmont are coordinating a One Year To Live (OYTL) event September 10-12, 2010 at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp.

One Year to Live is a strategy for men to seriously look at their lives, to make significant decisions and work with other men to hold each other accountable for those decisions made about their spiritual journey. It is an opportunity to explore the difference the Christian faith can make in the lives of men today with families, at work and in the Christian community.

This new approach to men's ministry developed by Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) and piloted in Denver, Colorado is now rolling out to congregations all over the country. Men can create a "Band of Brothers" through outdoor adventure, fellowship, and a deeper walk with Christ.

The retreat will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 10 and finish at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 12. Participants will be expected to stay for the full event. Please plan to eat dinner before you arrive on Friday. The $175 registration includes lodging and meeting facilities, printed materials, meals from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch, and snack/coffee breaks. A registration flyer and online registration information are available at the First Lutheran Church website.

Saturday, September 11, 2010 7:30 p.m.
Augustana Arts! Presents: Gershwin to Garland
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

Back by popular demand, award-winning pianist and master story teller Richard Glazier is considered one of America 's foremost authorities on the American popular song. Not only does he bring audiences the music of the Golden Age, but a fascinating commentary about the composers of the era as well. Throughout his performance, Glazier enchantingly brings back fond memories of Judy Garland and George and Ira Gershwin. It will be an exciting glimpse of our musical heritage.

$20 Adult / $12 Senior / $12 Student

Augustana Arts! at Augustana Lutheran Church , 5000 East Alameda Avenue , Denver (80246).

September 12, 2010
Lutheran Colleges Night Set for the Denver Area
Bethany Lutheran Church
4500 East Hampden Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113

The event will take place at Bethany Lutheran Church on Sunday, September 12, 2010. The schedule for the night is as follows:

6:45 p.m. Registration begins
7:00 p.m. Financial Aid Seminar
7:30 - 9:00 p.m. College Fair

The Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (LECNA) represents 40 Lutheran colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Member institutions share a common interest in developing the whole human being, strongly believe that faith is a core component of an education and that students need to develop deep critical thinking skills to be successful in the 21st century. They also remain committed to enrolling students from all socioeconomic backgrounds and seek to build diverse student bodies.

For more information regarding Lutheran Colleges Night at Bethany, please call the church office at 303-758-2820 or visit the website: www.bethany-denver.org .

September 16-19, 2010
Men's Adventure Camp
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp

This action packed weekend is filled with rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, archery, beer brewing, and high ropes. Morning and evening worship bookend our days and provide a lively and engaging opportunity for great conversation and growing in faith. Hearty meals and time to hang out with new and old friends round out this incredible weekend. Individuals and men's groups welcome. Download a registration form or register online today. You may also contact Ben Larson at 719-942-4220 for more information.

September 18, 2010
New Beginnings Church 12th Anniversary Celebration
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
4500 Wadsworth Boulevard
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Celebrating a dozen years of bringing God's gifts to those in prison

Silent auction, dinner, entertainment, and awards
(Mark IV will be there offering their musical gifts throughout the evening.)

We Need Your Help with the New Beginnings Silent Auction

We are asking all supporting churches to donate baskets this year to the Silent Auction. It could be anything from a movie night basket with DVDs, popcorn, "Snuggies", etc., to a Spa basket with soap, lotions, and a gift certificate for a massage or a vacation package to a cabin that you are not using this year. Let your imagination run wild! If you are a youth group, a ladies circle, a men's prayer group, etc., who would like to donate a basket to the New Beginnings Silent Auction, please call Heiko Meyer at 303-400-6166, or Kathy Melies at 303-831-7023.

If you would prefer to donate other items, they will gladly be accepted. Thank you!

September 18, 2010
New Beginnings Church 12th Anniversary Celebration
Wellshire Presbyterian Church
2999 South Colorado Boulevard
Denver, CO 80222

A Pathways Youth Ministry Leader Seminar is coming to Denver on Saturday, September 18 at the Wellshire Presbyterian Church. Pathways seminars are ecumenical and offer something for everyone: youth (grades 9-12), volunteers, paid staff, pastors, parents, and others. Come on your own or take the full staff.

For this two track seminar (Adult and Youth), the Adult Track will take place in Denver and will be lead by Andrew Root, assistant professor of youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN and author of Relationships Unfiltered: Help for Youth Workers, Volunteers and Parents on Creating Authentic Relationships. For more information or to register, please visit the Pathways website.

It has been said that anything that Princeton Institute for Youth Ministry does along with the Presbyterian Church (USA) will be well done!

Pathways is an initiative between Princeton Theological Seminary's Institute for Youth Ministry and the Presbyterian Church (USA) Offices if Ministries with Youth and Christian Vocation.

Saturday, September 18, 2010
Ride to the Ranch
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

Ride to the Ranch is designed to get friends of camp-old and new-up to Sky Ranch. The goal is for you to see all the changes that have been made over the past couple of years, to h ear about the new programs that Sky Ranch is offering, and to experience the wonder and beauty of Sky Ranch for yourself. A coach bus will pick up guests at two stops in Denver and then head north to pick up guests near Fort Collins. At camp, you will be served lunch, take a tour of camp, attend a closing worship, and then head back down the mountain. To reserve your spot on the Ride to the Ranch, please email Steph Dugger or call the Sky Ranch office at 970-493-5258.

September 19-17, 2010
Digital Photography Weekend
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

This photography weekend is designed for adults with any digital camera and is open to anyone from beginners through experts. The emphasis will be hands on training! Facilitators are Scott Sprain, retired photography teacher, his wife Ruth and son Andy.

Explore the beauty of Sky Ranch through your lens. The cost for this weekend workshop is only $125.00 per person. You may register online at www.SkyRanchColorado.org or by calling Linda at 970-493-5258

September19 - 21, 2010
International Day of Prayer for Peace

On September 21, more than 10,000 congregations worldwide will observe the International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP) as a chance for people to grow in faith and action for peace. Pastors and worship planners are asked to put the date of this event on their fall calendar now to explore resources, and to plan prayers, forums, and advocacy for the weeks before and after September 19 (and/or September 21).

Prayer is central to peacemaking. The Day of Prayer is a chance to inspire and encourage people of faith to realize that we can grow as God's peacemakers in our families, churches, communities and world, empowered by the Gospel's deep roots of Shalom.

Resources:

Half page bulletin insert written by two Lutheran leaders for the first IDPP and revised for 2010 at www.lutheranpeace.org.
Find more from the World Council of Churches, the ELCA and others.
Sign up to be one of those pledging to pray for peace on September 21 at: http://www.onearthpeace.org/

Peacemaking: Let's learn together how to grow it - and share it!

September19, 2010
Second Wind Fund 9th Walk/Run/Ride Event Has Been Set

The largest suicide prevention event in the nation will be held September 19 at Jefferson County Fairgrounds. The Second Wind Fund of Metro Denver Walk/Run/Ride raises funds for teen suicide prevention. Over 3,200 people are expected! In addition to the 5k walk/run, 1-mile walk, and 2- and 4-mile bike courses, there will be a FREE BBQ lunch, concert by Lion Vibes, massages, t-shirts, kids' activities, and a memorial dove release.

New this year, Abiding Hope Lutheran Church will be leading a worship opportunity in the outdoor rodeo arena before the event. For more information, please contact Glenn Hecox at Abiding Hope (303-972-1283).

Pledge raisers may win a hot air balloon ride, or even a one week stay at a luxurious condo in Molokai, Hawaii.

Register online at www.swfmd.org ; in person at Barnes & Noble (14347 Colfax Ave, Lakewood) on September 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; at Green Mountain Presbyterian Church in Lakewood on September 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; or on race day.

The Second Wind Fund of Metro Denver is a non-profit organization that provides free, professional counseling for youth at-risk for suicide. It began in 2002 as a response to four suicides at Green Mountain High School. Lutheran Church of the Master, Bethany Lutheran and Abiding Hope are counted among the faith partners of SWFMD. Nearly 1,900 Colorado youth at risk for suicide have been referred through the program for professional counseling services, thanks to money raised at the event.

September 21-24, 2010
Bright Stars of Bethlehem
Meet the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, pastor of the Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem

Under Israeli occupation, in the shadow of the separation wall, the ministries of the Lutheran Christmas Church are flourishing-Dar al-Kalima (a K-12 school), the Wellness Center, Dar al-Kalima College, the Bright Stars program for children and youth, elder care, an arts and crafts center, the Bethlehem Media Center, and more. Pastor Mitri describes the vision for his work and the work of his congregation, as grounded in Lutheran theology, "the foundation of all we do." Even as they struggle with checkpoints, water shortages and travel restrictions, the Palestinians of the Lutheran Christmas Church are building a future of hope for all the people of Bethlehem .....Muslim and Christian. Take a look at their programs.

Mark your calendars now-plan now to meet Pastor Mitri:

Tuesday evening, September 21, 7 p.m.-community and interfaith gathering, open to the public, at Montview Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St (at Montview Blvd).
Wednesday morning, September 22, 9:00 a.m.-an ecumenical gathering for pastors, to hear the story and visit with Pastor Mitri, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 East Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills Village.
Thursday evening, September 23, 7 p.m.-presentation of all the ministries of the Dyar Consortium, including the building of Dar al-Kalima College , the first Lutheran College in Palestine.

Read more about Pastor Mitri
Peacemaking in Israel and Palestine (blog by Jan Miller - Peace Not Walls)

September 23, 24 and 26, 2010
Carrie Newcomer Returns to Denver and Boulder

Singer/Songwriter Carrie Newcomer brought her fine music to the Rocky Mountain Synod Theological Conference last January. The stories she tells through her music resonate with deep spiritual meaning. As one attendee of the Theological Conference wrote in an evaluation: "Carrie was 'off the charts' in what she brought to us." She returns to Colorado this fall in two exciting venues. Mark your calendar now, and watch for ticket information.

Benefit Concert for CENTUS Counseling, Consulting & Education
Friday, September 24, 7:30 p.m.
First Plymouth Congregation Church
South Colorado Boulevard and Hampden Avenue , Denver

Weekend at Atonement Lutheran Church (ELCA), Boulder , Colorado
685 Inca Parkway (80303)
Saturday, September 25 Writing Workshop - "the Sacred Ordinary" from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday's Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 26 Worship at 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Please call 303-499-4567 for more details. Purchase tickets online now.

September 24 - 26, 2010
Rocky Mountain Synodical Women of the ELCA Convention 2010
What Is Your True North? God's Positioning System
Bethany Lutheran Church
4500 East Hampden Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113

Women of the Rocky Mountain Synod are invited to participate in the 2010 Convention of the Rocky Mountain Synod Women of the ELCA September 24-26, 2010. The convention will take place at Bethany Lutheran Church. All ELCA women and guests are welcome to attend the convention to participate in worship, Bible study, and fellowship among all the Bold Women of the ELCA .

To get information such as the agenda, costs, nomination guidelines and forms, plus much more to prepare you for a wonderful time at the convention, click here.

September 24 - 26, 2010
Coyote Howl Confirmation Retreat
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

This retreat will be a time for confirmands to relax, develop community, worship, participate in Bible study, enhance their confirmation programming, meet youth from other congregations, and have fun in the mountains. Cost is $75 per person - churches must provide 1 adult per 6 to 8 youth. Contact Linda in the Fort Collins office at 970-493-5258 for details and registration.

October 1-3, 2010
Coyote Howl Confirmation Retreat
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

October 9 - 26, 2010
Where Jesus Walked: A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
with optional Egypt extension

Walk in the footsteps of Jesus. See the Holy Stones and meet the Living Stones, the people, of the Holy Land, as we visit Jerusalem , the sites of Jesus' ministry in Galilee, Bethlehem , Nazareth and Hebron . Tour Herod's fortress at Masada, swim in the Dead Sea, sail on the Sea of Galilee . Our days will include devotions, scripture readings at the holy sites, and time for reflection. We will be accompanied by a knowledgeable licensed local guide. See first-hand the inspiring ministries of Lutherans today in Jerusalem and Bethlehem , including an opportunity to pick olives on the land of Augusta Victoria Hospital atop of the Mount of Olives .

Extend your tour and see the pyramids of Egypt-Cairo, Memphis , Luxor and the Valley of the Kings and Queens . Learn about the civilizations that once flourished along the Nile and see the archaeological treasures of the ancient world.

Details can be found at: www.pilgrimageholyland.blogspot.com or contact Jan Miller: janlmiller@q.com. Reservation deadline: June 1.

October 23, 2010 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Swedish Research Fair
Presented by the Swedish Genealogy Society of Colorado

Members of your congregation that are of Swedish decent and would like to research their family history are invited to a Swedish Family Research Fair at the Community College of Aurora, Fine Arts Building, for classes, exhibits, and research assistance. More information online (see left side of web page). If you ever wanted to learn more about your family history but did not know where to begin, this event will provide you with a starting point.

October 24, 2010
Jordan-Israel Trip Registration Deadline Is Today

The registration deadline is October 24 for the Jordan/Israel trip leaving February 6, 2011. If you were sent a brochure electronically, please note that one code letter for registration was put in incorrectly . You are asked to contact Valerie Hess at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boulder (303-442-2300) for a new copy of the brochure or the correct code letter.

Going to Jordan and Israel in early spring, when it is still off-season, is a wonderful experience. Being able to picture in your mind and remember the smell and feel of the places in the Sunday morning lectionary lessons is priceless.

October 29 - 31, 2010
Dr. Marcus Borg on "Being a Christian in the 21st Century"
Messiah Community Church
1750 Colorado Boulevard
Denver, CO 80220

Marcus J. Borg is Canon Theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland , OR . And he is internationally known in both academic and church circles as a biblical and Jesus scholar.

Dr. Borg is the author of many books on the historical Jesus, the Bible and Christianity. His latest book (2010) is a novel titled, "Putting Away Childish Things." Many of Dr. Borg's books will be available for sale and he will be happy to autograph them for you! As well, you are invited to print and post the poster which includes the weekend schedule and more information.

November 19-21
RMS Senior High School Youth Gathering
Estes Park, Colorado

"Whatever!?!" is the theme of the gathering that will take place at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park . Aaron Tidwell, a respected speaker, workshop, seminar, and retreat leader for a variety of audiences, will be the featured speaker.

Information is currently posted on the Rocky Mountain Synod website and is updated periodically, so please check back often.

January 22 - February 7 , 2011
"On Holy Ground" II - Ethiopia and Egypt

Pastor Paul Gilbertson and his wife will host their second trip to countries with rich biblical history and tradition. In 2008 the Gilbertsons took a group to the Holy Land and now they will explore Ethiopia and Egypt . The 17 day trip will take place in early 2011 from January 22 - February 7.

Ethiopia is home to the most rapidly growing Lutheran Church in the world - the Mekana Jesu Lutheran Church . Ethiopia is the reputed resting place of the Ark of the Covenant - a site that will visited. Please contact Pr. Paul by email or phone (303-279-8177) to receive a brochure and further information.

January 25- February 1 , 2011
Enhance Your Experience with Asians in Community
Asian Lutheran International Conference

You are cordially invited to the Sixth Asian Lutheran International Conference scheduled for January 25-February 1, 2011. The conference's theme is Reading the Bible in Asian Contexts. The conference will take place at Town in Town Hotel, Pattaya , Thailand . For hotel information, please visit their website.

This Asian Lutheran International Conference is open to all. This conference offers a variety of activities and programs providing good educational experience that will enhance your experience with Asians in your ministry. Conference programs include keynote, ministry visit, networking and cultural excursion. Before or after the conference, you also can join an optional ministry study tour of your choice ( i.e. Thailand , Vietnam , Cambodia , China ( Shanghai , Beijing ). The Asian Lutheran website has all of the details to help you in your planning process. Also, you may contact Pongsak by email pongsak.limthongviratn@elca.org or by phone at 800-638-3522 ext. 2834.

February 6 - 15, 2011
Introductory Tour of Israel and Jordan
Trinity Lutheran Church
2200 Broadway
Boulder, CO 80302

Join Valerie Hess, Coordinator of Music Ministries at Trinity in Boulder , on a 10 day tour of Jordan and Israel from February 6 - 1, 2011. Valerie has traveled many times, often in a rental car and off the beaten path, to Israel and Jordan and is offering an opportunity for people to get a beginning feel for the land of the Bible. She is working with Educational Opportunities but has customized the trip. The deadline to sign up is October 24, 2010. See the attached brochure for the itinerary or contact her at Trinity (303) 442-2300. All are welcome; you will never read the Bible the same again!

Rocky Mountain Synod Events