Pastor Rose Mary Sanchez-Guzman writes: "We are asking God to help us as we plan with the Synod to purchase a building. We are also praying for the financial situation of Cristo Rey. 2004 and 2005 have been the hardest of all the years financially. The main reason is the rent payment. We are using three different locations for our ministry. We have a great ministry that serves the whole ELCA, but we need a home. We also want to thank God for all the partners and friends that support this ministry."

A weekend mountain retreat is scheduled for 7 p.m., Friday, July 22 through noon, Sunday, July 24 at Messiah Mountain Retreat Center, a ministry of Messiah Community Church (ELCA). The retreat center is just 30 minutes from Denver in the Indian Hills. Cost is $20 and includes four meals. Email Kirsten at Messiah Mountain, messiahmtn@mho.com . Or view the website: www.messiahdenver.org/mountain Register by July 8.

BETHANY WELCA AND SOUTH METRO CLUSTER Invite ALL WOMEN to an overview of the Lutheran Woman Today Bible Study for 2005-2006 ACT BOLDLY IN THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (GALATIANS 5: 22-23)

• Saturday, Sept 17, 2005 1:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
• Bethany Lutheran Church Great Hall (Enter building on south side through covered entrance ..follow hall to left)
• 4500 E. HAMPDEN AVENUE, CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, CO 80013
• 303-758-2820
• Overview provided by Bethany's Associate Pastor, Susanne Smith
• REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.
• A free-will offering will be taken for the Rocky Mountain Synod Women of the ELCA

The 2005 Fall Gathering theme will be "Seeds of the Heart: Growing in Grace." This theme is based on the Parable of the Seed in Matthew 13 and will focus on connecting women, joining them in small groups, ministering to their needs. Locations: St. Luke's in Albuquerque, NM, AND Bethel in Aurora, CO More info > The Theme for the 2006 Convention to be held in Colorado Springs, CO will be "Spirit Driven." The theme song will be "Spirit Driven" by Handt Hansen. A live recording will be coming soon!

Yvonne Page, the current President of the Women of the ELCA in the Rocky Mountain Synod, shares her vision of what we can do together as Women of the ELCA over the next two years!

This 12-minute presentation (photos with narration) tells the story of how our gifts to ELCA International Disaster Response help our companion churches and trusted partners in India. Go to www.imageevent.com/elcahunger/tsunami/mediafiles and click on the image of the waves to view the production.

Individually, we make small contributions, but as a group, we can do wonderous things. Start small by making a ONE dollar donation to the Rocky Mountain Synod, so they can continue to support you in your missions for Christ. Donations are now being accepted online.

Lutheran Engaged Encounter in Colorado will be offering three weekends in 2005. he dates are February 25-27, May 27-29 and September 23-25. Weekends are held at Trinity Mountain Ranch, just outside of Blackhawk, CO. The cost of the weekend is $200/couple that includes registration, room, board and all supplies for the weekend. The weekend is a dynamic experience focusing on communication, commitment and relationship within a Christian context. For information contact Dave & Sue Edwards 303-753-9407 or Frank & Fran Hall 303-279-2130.

ELCA International Disaster Response funds will be directed through Action by Churches Together (ACT) in response to the South Asia tsunamis. Already ACT partner National Council of Churches in Sri Lanka (NCCSL) reports that two truckloads of essential food items and water will leave today for Muttur in Trincomalee and the other to Thirukovil in Batticaloa, two of the worst hit areas in Sri Lanka. Assessments of need in other South Asian countries are still taking place. ELCA International Disaster Response funds will be released to ACT for immediate emergency relief efforts.

A disaster alert will be issued to all congregations this week. Credit card donations can be made now through the ELCA Disaster web site (www.elca.org/disaster) or by phone at 800-638-3522. When designated for "South Asia Tsunami," 100% of all donations will be directed to this disaster. Donations can also be sent to ELCA International Disaster Response, P.O. Box # 71764, Chicago, Illlinois 60694-1764. Note "South Asia Tsunami" on the check memo line.

Read the Public Release of the Task Force Report online