Rocky Mountain Synod News and Events

 FEBRUARY 2012

February 2, 2011
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - New Mexico Annual Bishop's Luncheon Set
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA 

The annual Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Bishop's Legislative Luncheon will be Thursday, February 2 .  Make plans to attend and be sure to make your reservation (or a reservation for a group from your congregation!) to attend this annual gathering which will be held at La Fonda in Santa Fe beginning at 12:30 p.m. Rocky Mountain Synod Bishop Allan Bjornberg will speak at the luncheon and will also share a message with us during the Issues Briefing in the morning prior to the luncheon.

The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church (1701 Arroyo Chamiso) with registration, fellowship and an opportunity to learn more about the issues for which Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico will be advocating throughout 2012.  

The cost of the luncheon is $30 person ($25 per person when 4 or more people from a congregation or organization make reservations by January 26).  If you are only attending the morning issues briefing, the cost is $5.  Please contact Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM by phone (505-984-8005) or email  lutheranadvocacy@yahoo.com to make reservations or for more details.  The deadline for reservations is January 30.

February 4, 2011
Generosity Project 2012 Workshops and Dates
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA

Saturday - February 4, 2012 - All Saints Lutheran Church - Albuquerque, NM

Saturday - February 11, 2012 - St. Peter Lutheran Church - Carlsbad, NM

Saturday - February 11, 2012 - Peace Lutheran Church - El Paso, TX

Saturday - March 10, 2012 - Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO

Saturday - March 17, 2012 - Ascension Lutheran Church - Colorado Springs, CO

Saturday - March 24, 2012 - Ascension Lutheran Church - Cheyenne, WY

February 4, 2011
Mark Braverman to Speak at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church
Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church
1980 Dahlia Street (at Montview)
Denver, CO 80220

In his book, Fatal Embrace - Christians, Jews and the Search for Peace in the Holy Land, Mark Braverman shows how the Jewish quest for safety and empowerment and the Christian effort to atone for centuries of anti-Semitism have combined to suppress the conversations needed to bring about peace. 

On Sunday, February 5 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. , Mr. Braverman will give a presentation at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church. The event is sponsored by Friends of Sabeel-Colorado. 

In his quest to find a way forward, he turns to the prophets and to Jesus' transformative ministry, to speak a prophetic word of his own. Preview the book.

February 9, 2011
Pastor Emily Cardin to Receive Iliff's Distinguished Alumni Award
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA 

Iliff School of Theology is pleased to present the Iliff Distinguished Alumni Award to Pastor Emily Cardin, Director of the Denver's Women's Prison Ministry, on Thursday, February 9, 2012. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and will take place at Iliff School of Theology's Great Hall, located at 2201 South University Blvd. in Denver (80210). The cost for the event is $35/per including dinner. Please R.S.V.P. to Tim Zeckser at tzeckser@iliff.com by January 27, 2012.

February 2012
Elect Your Assembly Voting Members Now - Include a Youth or Young Adult!
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA
455 Sherman St., Ste. 160
Denver, CO 80203

Your voting members will be invited to attend spring Conference gatherings for dialogue and discernment regarding the upcoming election of a new bishop at the April 26-28 Assembly in Colorado Springs.     

Congregations are encouraged to include youth and young adults as voting members at the 2012 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly. 

Lifting up and empowering young people to serve is part of the calling of every congregation! Please take a look at the guide -  "Youth and Young Adults: Expanded Roles for Youth and Young Adults" , created to assist congregations in the process. You have the opportunity to identify youth and young adults who will represent your congregation as voting members at this year's Synod Assembly.    

February 2012
Potential Nominees for RMS Bishop Discern Their Ministry Calls
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA
455 Sherman St., Ste. 160
Denver, CO 80203

Those whose names were raised up to be considered as potential nominees for bishop are discerning whether or not to complete biographical and informational forms, indicating their willingness to continue in the process. Those potential nominees are to return a response to the synod office by January 31. The initial list of potential nominees is  posted online here.

The biographical informational forms that are received will be posted online on February 6.

Note that this process is currently about identifying and discerning  potential  nominees and is a preliminary process. The actual nominations take place on the initial ecclesiastical ballot at the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly, April 26-28, 2012 in Colorado Springs.

February 2012
Updates and Highlights and Important Information
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA
455 Sherman Street, Ste. 160
Denver, CO 80203

Campus Ministry highlighted in RMS Lutheran Magazine supplement
Read about Campus Ministry in the Rocky Mountain Synod in the quarterly Rocky Mountain Synod insert to the Lutheran Magazine. Read the insert now. 

Submit Your 2012 Partnership Intents by February 15
Online form at www.rmselca.org/2012intent is quick and easy to submit the amount your congregation will share with the synod in partnership ministry support. Essential for good stewardship of synod resources.

2012 Rostered Leaders Reports are Due by February 15
Virtually all categories of lay and clergy rostered leaders have a form to complete and submit!  All forms are available online. They require using the free program: Formatta Filler, also available on that page. You may either print a copy and send in the mail, or send as an email attachment to Janice Ladd-Horkey, RMS administrative staff.

Congregational Statistical Reports are Due by February 15
You may submit your information online, or on the printed form received in each congregation. Online information.

Annual Report Covers from Augsburg Fortress
Order online or call 800-638-3522 

2012 RMS Financial Summary 
Reprint in your annual report or newsletter. Share the link to the .pdf in your electronic newsletter:  www.rmselca.org/2012

February 2012
Lutheran Family Services Has A New Name
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains
363 South Harlan Street
Denver, CO 80226

Lutheran Family Services of Colorado (LFS) is now
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains! 

The name change reflects the growth of LFS, which has doubled in size and impact over the past six years and compliments the names and service area of the ELCA.   

Since 2006, LFS has increasingly been responding to various human needs in Montana and Wyoming and in 2011 was invited by the state of New Mexico to begin providing refugee resettlement services there. LFS Rocky Mountains will open an office in Albuquerque but all agency administrative functions will continue to be housed in the central Denver location. 

February 2011
ELCA/Mayo Health Assessment Begins Fresh in January for ELCA Health Plan Members
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - Portico Benefit Services

You are encouraged to take the health assessment each year. All congregations and organizations within our synod will earn a 2% discount on 2012 ELCA health contributions if 65% of the eligible ELCA - primary plan members and spouses in our synod take the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment between January 1 and April 30. 

Those organizations that earn the 2% discount on ELCA health contributions use teamwork. They plan ahead, share responsibility among several people and coordinate their actions and messages. Last year, 30 synods earned the discount. More information.   

By taking the assessment, you'll earn $150 in your personal wellness account and will be taking stock of your health. Healthy leaders do enhance lives and ultimately create a healthier ELCA community. Take the assessment at   www.elcaforwellness.org . You will find instructions for taking the assessment in the "Understand My Benefits" section at www.elcabop.org . 

Reminder: the ELCA Board of Pension is changing its name to Portico Benefit Services.

February 2011
New RMS Video is a RESOURCE for How to Make a Great Video!
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA
455 Sherman St. Ste 160
Denver, CO 80203

Over the past two years, the Rocky Mountain Synod has produced six "professional" videos that tell stories of faith and people. Now, it's your turn! For the 2012 Synod Assembly, we invite congregations to tell their own stories about the "Landscapes of Faith" in the Rocky Mountain Synod.

This new video provides some pointers on how to tell stories and take good footage. If your Internet connection is slow and the video skips or freezes, you may need to hit "play" and wait a a few minutes for it to download before restarting it.

Additionally, a one-page .pdf resource is provided, which is a summary of the pointers from the video.   

Information will soon be posted on the RMS website about how to submit videos. The ones that tell the most engaging stories will be shown at the RMS Assembly in April. 

Video contest videos are due March 15.

February 2011
Elim Fundraising Project Helps Send Youths to ELCA Gathering in July 2012
Elim Lutheran Church
575 23rd Street
Ogden, UT 84401

It isn't often that you get an opportunity like this! Elim is teaming up with Village Markets of Africa, an organization in Kenya which is working with the Lutheran Church in Kenya to sell their goods at a fair trade price.

When you put "Elim" in the Fundraising Credit Box, 20% comes back to Elim to help five of our youth attend the Nati onal Youth Gathering in New Orleans July 18-22, 2012. Village Markets of Africa has some really neat stuff for sale, at very low prices, hand made by African artists, not mass produced on an assembly line. You can log on anytime and buy stuff whenever you want. These items would make lovely holiday gifts.

Help an African artist out of poverty and send five kids from Utah to the National Youth Gathering with more than 35,000 other Lutheran Youth, where they will study the Bible, worship, engage in faith-forming interactive activities, and do service projects. Not only that, but you get a beautiful piece of art to wear or display, or to give to someone else for Christmas or another occasion!

February 2012
Working to Make Malaria History
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA

Through the work of the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO), youth teams within congregations and individuals, the ELCA Malaria Campaign is raising funds and awareness to combat the devastating effects of malaria in the world. 

New bulletin inserts, brochures, offering envelopes, videos and other resources can help you share the news of the ELCA Malaria Campaign with your congregation. Below are a few links to resources that provide insight into what is being done within our Synod and around the ELCA. You are encouraged to participate as you are called to do so. View resources at:  

RMS Malaria website  

ELCA Malaria website  

ELCA Malaria Blog  

RMS LYO website  

LYO Malaria Blog on Facebook

February 2011
RMS "Our Daily Bread" Videos All Get "Thumbs Up" Rating!
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA

The synod council previewed three new videos in Volume II, which are in the mail to every congregation. The videos get great reviews!

• These videos are well done and have helped our congregation feel connected as a Synod.  -Pastor Bruce Freeman
• Super way to see ministries in action. -Linda Schlitt
• You will laugh. You will cry. These stories are incredible! -Kent Mueller
• We are reminded of our interdependence without our synod as every person, every congregation, every ministry, boldy serves God's mission in Christ. - Pastor Dave Cruson

Three new videos may be viewed online and the Bible Study and Devotional materials may be downloaded for use in forums, councils, gatherings, worship, and more. 

The excellent three new videos tell these stories:

• Seniors Ministry at Good Shepherd, Casper, WY
• Outdoor Ministry at Sky Ranch and Rainbow Trail camps
• Emergent Church Ministry at House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver, CO

  Do you like these videos?  Are you using them?

Please Tell Us What You Think!  
The Synod Council task force that created the three "Our Daily Bread" videos (and the three that are in the works) would like feedback about how you are using the videos and if they are well-received. Would you help with this endeavor? 

Click here to --->   Complete a brief survey  

View ---> the videos online and downloadable materials

February 2011
RM Synod Video Contest
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA
455 Sherman Street, Ste. 160
Denver, CO 80203

The Theme for the 2012 Synod Assembly in April 26-28, 2012 is Landscapes of Faith, and the deadline for submitting your own video stories is March 15. Details will be posted in the future, but we wanted to get the word out right away!

We will be seeking videos that are 2 minutes or less that depict not only the diverse geographic landscape of our Synod, but also the diversity of our people and ministries. Watch for more info!

February 2011
Congregation Constitution Updates Are Essential
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA

At the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, constitutional updates were adopted, which were also approved at the recent Rocky Mountain Synod Council meeting.  

If your congregation's constitution was amended following the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly and included the amendments passed at that time, use the 2011 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations for a quick update.

If your congregation's constitution has not been amended for more than two years , refer to ELCA Model Constitution for Congregations 2011 and Guidelines for Use of Model Constitution for Congregations 2011.  

Links to all documents are on the RMS website.    

Please contact Earline Bohling , RMS Secretary, with questions about constitutional updates. 

February 2011
REMINDER - "Safe Haven" Guidelines Need to be Updated or Completed
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA

All congregations are to have begun or completed the process of creating Safe Haven Guidelines and procedures for their congregation and related ministries by the 2012 Assembly. The Safe Haven initiative is all about keeping children and youth safe within the congregation's ministry. 

The "Safe Haven: A Resource for Congregations" is the result of diligent work by a team of people in the Rocky Mountain Synod. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact Linda Staats who will refer you to a member of the Safe Haven Task Force. 

If your congregation has completed or updated your Safe Haven Guidelines, please send notification to Linda Staats, Assistant to the Bishop for Youth and Household Ministry. If your guidelines are posted on your congregation's website, please send the web link. Any comments you wish to include about the process and what these guidelines have meant for your congregation will be much appreciated.

February 2012
2012 Global Mission Map Brochure is Now Available
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

For the ELCA, the goal of global mission is to increase the capacity of both companions and the ELCA for proclamation and service. 

Mission rooted in relationship means mutuality, inclusivity, vulnerability, sustainability and empowerment. Mostly, it means growth - for everyone involved. Together, we listen, learn and deepen our understanding of one another. As we recognize and affirm each other's gifts, we become invested. These investments are the center of global mission. 

In North America, the ELCA challenges members to become better global citizens, more connected Christians and more compassionate human beings by emphasizing human dignity and interconnectedness in all of its relationships. 

The Global Mission Map Brochure is:

• Filled with a panorama of photos and stories from across the globe, an overview of mission rooted in relationship.
• A way to learn how your gifts and offerings are turned into effective ministry around the world. 
• Perfect for Epiphany, for annual meetings, and more.

Order the new 2012 Global Mission Map Brochure now! To order 10 or fewer copies, call 800/638-3522 or email ris@elca.org . To order more than 10, check out the website.  .

February 2011
Mission Partners Connect to Give and Receive
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA

Cultivating relationships is vital for our mission partner congregations. Now that fall is upon us, it's a good time to re-connect with each other. Congregations receiving Mission Partner support are encouraged to write their partners with an update of their ministry. 

Partnering congregations are encouraged to hold their mission congregation in prayer, put information about their mission in newsletters and find other ways to keep their members informed of the relationship. For more information about the Rocky Mountain Synod's Mission Partners program, please check out the website. 

February 11, 2012
The Lutheran Chorale Plans Workshop for Area Choirs
St. Philip Lutheran Church
7531 South Kendall Blvd.
Littleton, CO 80128

The Lutheran Chorale is expanding its vision of community service. Now, under its new director, David Hodel, the Lutheran Chorale wishes to be a resource for musical growth and enrichment to local church choirs. 

This year, the Lutheran Chorale is hosting its second annual workshop for area choirs, addressing vocal production, music selection and styles, resources for praise bands, and breakout for organists. The workshop will take place on Saturday, February 11, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. Philip Lutheran Church,  7531 South Kendall Blvd, Littleton ( 80128). [Please note the new location for the workshop.]

The workshop activities culminate with a concert featuring Chorale members and workshop attendees the following day (Sunday, February 12).  The concert will be at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Avenue, at 3 pm, and will feature Hymns Triumphant, Lee Holdridge's magnificent choral arrangement of well-known hymns.

There is a nominal charge of $5 for supplies and a light lunch. For more information or to register, please contact  Linda Blandin by email or phone (303-973-1161).  

February 12, 2012
Atonement - Boulder Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary
Atonement Lutheran Church
685 Inca Parkway
Boulder, CO 80303

Coming Together...Celebrating Our Past and Building Our Future 

The members and community of Atonement Lutheran Church in Boulder invite you to join them in their 50 th Anniversary celebration. This wonderful event of celebration and praise will take place beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2012. Please R.S.V.P. to the church by email or by phone (303-499-4567). Atonement is located at 685 Inca Parkway in Boulder (80303).

February 20, 2012
Faith Advocacy Day 2012 - "Turning the Corner from Charity to Justice"
Fort Collins, CO

Put Your Faith Into Action

Faith Advocacy Day will take place on Monday, February 20, 2012, at the new History Colorado center, located at 1200 Broadway in Denver (80203). The event will be from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m with two optional sessions following the main event.

Street parking at meters is free on this day since it is a holiday. Also, there are pay lots one block west of History Colorado at 12th and Acoma.

For more information, including deadlines and ways to register for the event, please check out the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado website . 

February 2012
Register Your Priorities for Advocacy
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Washington Office for Advocacy

From Moses and Esther and the prophets speaking out on behalf of God's people to our own Lutheran Reformers' letters to public officials, to 21st century Christians, advocacy with people in power has long been a faith practice. 

The ELCA Advocacy Department as well as State Public Policy Offices work hard to make space in our public debate for people who are not heard. The work is done through offices in Washington D.C., at the United Nations, in state capitols, and with corporations about their practices and social responsibility and is framed generally by ELCA social policy.  

The ELCA Washington Office for advocacy is encouraging everyone to take a brief survey to express their priorities for future advocacy efforts in international affairs, as well as domestic matters. The survey has five questions and should take ten minutes or less to complete. Your opinions matter now as much as ever!

February 24-26, 2012
RTLC Winter Confirmation Retreat
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp

Join us for a Confirmation Retreat at Rainbow Trail and let us be partners with you in creating a fun atmosphere for learning in your confirmation program! We will sing songs, play games, learn together and play together in God's beautiful creation. Our staff will lead your kids in crafts, team-building activities, outdoor activities such as hiking or sledding, fun games, and camp songs! 

Scott Moore, Youth Director at Holy Cross Lutheran Church (ELCA), is this year's featured speaker. He will lead us in inspiring, educational and fun group study sessions designed to expand on the studies you've already touched on at your home church. The theme for this year is "Spiritual Disciplines - Taking Our Faith from Religious to Relational".        

February 24 2012
"Serving Christ in the World" Program for Youth Registration Deadline Today
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Do you know a high school sophomore or junior who has served in a leadership role in your congregation or community who is asking tough questions about his or her faith and the world around them? Then encourage him or her to apply for Youth in Mission's Serving Christ in the World program, which guides participants in exploring ways to live out their faith in the world. 

Participants will spend one week at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and will also travel to Mexico for a six-day multicultural immersion experience led by the CREAR ecumenical organization and the Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development. Youth will discover their leadership skills and explore their gifts for service and ministry during workshops, class sessions, worship, small group discussions, and site visits. 

Youth in Mission's next Serving Christ in the World program will take place June 16-30, 2012. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis. All application materials must be received no later than February 24, 2012. For more information about this faith-building, life-changing experience, visit www.lstc.edu/yim , email youthinmission@lstc.edu , or call 773-256-0725.

February 26 2012
RMS Youth Ministry Trainings
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA
455 Sherman Street, Ste. 160
Denver, CO 80203

A series of on-site, face-to-face Youth Ministry trainings will take place throughout the RMS as part of the Practice Discipleship: The ELCA Youth Ministry Training Project.  

These special trainings are being offered FREE to all youth and family ministry professionals and volunteers, whether you are or are not attending the ELCA Youth Gathering. These workshops will strengthen your ministry with young people wherever it happens: youth group meetings, mission trips, service projects, Bible study, and other events.   

Specifically, all adults accompanying youth to the ELCA Youth Gathering are encouraged to attend, as well as a representation of your high school youth registered for The Gathering - at least one youth for every five registered. The Sunday afternoon, three-hour trainings will be led by Kristen Baltrum, Gathering Coordinator and Linda Staats, Gathering Coach.  

Save the following dates for your area. Sites TBA.

• Albuquerque, NM - February 26
• Denver, CO - March 10
• Colorado Springs, CO - March 18
• Casper, WY - March - 25
• Salt Lake City, UT - April 15
• Ft. Collins, CO - April 29

February 28 2012
RMS Lutheran Schools Appreciation Days Events
Locations listed below

You are invited to a "Gathering" for Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS) preschool and school directors, pastors and a school board member/staff person. The events will take place in two locations: 

• Tuesday, February 28 , Cross of Hope Lutheran Church, Albuquerque
• Thursday, March 22 , Denver area. Site TBA

This will be a time to network with peers, share joys and challenges, ask questions and share what works. Also, we will have an opportunity to visit someone else's school and learning center. The focus for our time together is the question, "What Does Faith Have to do With It? The Spirituality of Children." Gayle Denny, Executive Director of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) will be with us. All are invited - one does not need to belong to ELEA to attend. 

The cost is $10/person or $25 for three from a church and school. Each gathering is from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and includes lunch and free give-aways! To RSVP, email Cheryl Almquist in the synod office or call 303-777-6700/800-525-0462. If you have other questions, please contact Linda Staats by email or phone (602-740-3752).  

  MARCH 2012

  APRIL 2012

April 26-28, 2012
Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Colorado Springs, CO

The Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly is a time for worship, fellowship, and necessarily a time to take care of business. A number of Synod Council positions will be filled and a new bishop will be elected.

The first ballot is an "Ecclesiastical Ballot" in which each voting member has the opportunity to write down the name of his or her nominee for bishop. This is the official nominating ballot. Names submitted may or may not have been raised up in the earlier process of identifying potential nominees and disseminating biographical information. The bishop is elected after subsequent ballots in which the field of nominees is gradually reduced.

A list of potential nominees has been posted on the Rocky Mountain Syod webite. Get more information.

  MAY 2012

May 27 - June 1, 2012
Preparing Pastors for Ministry in an Ever-changing, Pluralistic World
Luther Seminary of the Southwest

Spanish Language and Hispanic Ministry Intensive

The Lutheran Seminary Program of the Southwest wishes to invite you to attend the Spanish Language and Hispanic Ministry Intensive. The Program seeks to prepare pastors for ministry in a rapidly changing and pluralistic world that is the mission field of the emerging church of the 21st century.

Open to everyone, the event will take place on the campus of the Seminary of the Southwest, located at 501 East 32nd Street in Austin, TX (78705) beginning on Sunday, May 27, 2012 and ending on Friday noon, June 1, 2012 . Distinguished speakers include the Rev. Dr. Jay Alanís, Dr. Regina Musselman and the Rev. Dr. Eliseo Pérez-Alvarez 

Many important details are available on the flyer but if you require additional information, please contact Consuelo at 512-477-2666. 

LSPS is an extension of Wartburg Theological Seminary and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

  JUNE 2012

  JULY 2012

July 18-22, 2012
2012 ELCA Youth Gathering
New Orleans, Louisiana

The Rocky Mountain Synod has 41 congregations and 590 youth and caring adults registered for the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering. Registration ha snot closed yet, so congregations may still register.    

Keep up with all the resources and tools for your preparation by signing up for the Gathering E-News .  See who else is going from our synod by checking out our own RMS Gathering web page . 

Plan now to bring your caring adults together for the next webinar December 4, "Leading a Small Group." Check out the many resources available to equip ALL your adults to accompany young people to New Orleans and in your every day ministry, right where you are. Info link. 

  AUGUST 2012

  SEPTEMBER 2012

September 23-25, 2012
Fall Theological Conference and Bishop's Installation & Convocation
Bethany Lutheran Church
4500 East Hampden Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113