Together, we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.
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OCTOBER 12, 2023
a reconciling in Christ Synod
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FALL CONFERENCE GATHERINGS - PLEASE select a Gathering to attend and mark your calendars - we need your participation and input!
Discerning and Electing a New Bishop in 2024
The Rocky Mountain Synod will meet in Assembly April 25-27, 2024. At the Assembly, voting members will elect a new Bishop to serve a six-year term.
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You are invited (laypeople and rostered leaders) to a time of prayerful discussion and discernment this fall with your synod conference. The questions "Who are we?" and "Whom do we seek?" will guide our conversation. Speak with your pastor or deacon for more information about your conference's gathering.
Be part of this Spirit-led process as we continue to live out the Rocky Mountain Synod Mission Statement:
Together we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the life of the world.
Most conference meetings have been scheduled. Contact your Conference Dean(s) listed below, or your local clergy for more information:
Border Conference
October 28, 10:00 am, Peace, Las Cruces, NM
Pastor Catherine Lemons (revlemons@gmail.com)
Boulder/Broomfield Conference
October 16, 6:30 pm, Christ the Servant, Louisville, CO
Pastor Katie Chullino (katie@bethlehem-lutheran.net)
Pastor Stephanie Lord (stephielord@gmail.com)
Metro East Conference
October 23, 6:00 pm, Augustana, Denver, CO
Pastor Chelsea Achterberg (cacherberg17@gmail.com)
Pastor Nic Leither (woh.elca@gmail.com)
Metro South Conference
October 19, 6:00 pm, St. Philip, Littleton, CO
Pastor Gordon Sandquist (pastorgordy@lchscentennial.org)
Pastor Brad Doty (bdoty@stphilip-co.org)
Metro West Conference
Mountain West
TBD
Pastor Jeffery Carlson (pastorjeff@goodsheplutheran.org)
Metro West
October 21, 9:00 am Glory of God, Wheat Ridge, CO
Pastor Will Johnson (pastor@nativity-lutheran-church.org)
North Colorado Conference
October 21, 10:00am - 2:00pm, Our Savior's, 1800 21st. Ave, Greeley, CO
Pastor Deb Abbott (pastordeb@greeleylutheran.org)
Pastor Kaari Nieuwlandt (pastorkaari@trinityloveland.org)
North New Mexico Conference
October 28, 9:30 am, All Saints, Albuquerque, NM
Pastor Joene Herr (pastor.joene@christlutheransantafe.org)
Southeast Colorado Conference
October 14, 9:30 am, First Lutheran, Colorado Springs
Pastor Carrie Baylis (carrie@flccs.net)
Pastor Dan Holt (d.holt@ascensioncos.org)
Utah Conference
October 21, 9:30 am, Mt. Tabor Lutheran, Salt Lake City, UT
Pastor David Nichols (pastor@mttaborslc.org)
Wyoming Conference
TBD
Pastor Paul Rosin (pastor@ascensioncheyenne.org)
Please visit the Rocky Mountain Synod website for more general information about the Bishop Election (here)
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ELCA & RMS news and events | |
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Education Event
January 7-12, 2024
RMS clergy and congregation or social ministry program staff are invited to participate in an Immersion Trip to the Alabama Civil Rights Historic Trail.
The group gathers in Montgomery where they will visit the Memorial for Justice and Peace, the Legacy Museum, Rosa Parks Museum, and Freedom Rides Museum. There will be travel to Birmingham as well as traveling from Selma to Montgomery. We hope this pilgrimage will help you to experience a deepening of your faith as you continue the commitment to racial justice that you may take back to your congregation.
It is our expectation that by participating in this pilgrimage, you will return to coordinate this or a similar experience with your community.
Participants will need make their own flights to Montgomery Regional Airport Dannelly Field (Airport code: MGM)
The days will have scheduled activities, along with some flexibility. Each evening we will share dinner together for devotions and to debrief the day. Included in your costs are housing, breakfasts and dinners, transportation in Alabama, and admission to all sites. Cost is $850 for double occupancy and $1250 for single occupancy.
The deadline to sign-up is October 31 or until the 20 spots are filled - only 7 spots left - don't miss this opportunity - register TODAY!
This trip will include a substantial amount of walking and standing. ADA accessible public transportation is limited in the city of Montgomery.
Tentative Itinerary
Sunday: Gathering meal and preparation for the week.
Monday: Freedom Rides Museum, Rosa Parks Museum, Dexter Ave Baptist Church
Tuesday: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute,16th street Baptist church, Kelly Ingram Park
Wednesday: The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and The Legacy Museum
Thursday: Selma to Montgomery, stop at the three sites
Friday Morning: Tuskegee Airmen Historic Site Museum (depending on departing flight times)
This event is sponsored by the Racial Justice Tithe of the RMS Next Faithful Steps Campaign. For more information email Deacon Shanna VanderWell HERE or Pastor Barbara Berry-Bailey HERE
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Thriving Leadership Formation (TLF) is a program that brings ELCA leaders together with the intent of creating nurturing and empowering times, spaces, and relationships. Cohorts are intended to foster spiritual and contemplative practices to enrich life and ministry and help the church and its leaders thrive. Cohorts meet virtually for 12 sessions using a curriculum of spiritual practices. There is no cost for participation in TLF, as it is funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Foundation. Participants in TLF also have access to 6 sessions of coaching or spiritual direction at no cost. Visit thrivingleadershipformation.org for more information.
The Rocky Mountain Synod has several leaders who will be starting TLF cohorts this Fall. If you would like to participate in a group, please contact the leader directly.
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Pastor Monica Butler is forming a cohort for women-identified leaders in their 20’s and 30’s. This group will meet virtually about twice per month on Monday afternoons 3:00-4:30pm starting in October. If you have questions or would like to sign up to join this cohort, contact Pr. Monica Butler at pastormonicabutler@gmail.com.
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Pastor Chad Kohlmeyer will be leading a cohort centered on gathering folks in their first decade of ministry. He will offer the 12 sessions in three blocks of four weeks: four sessions in Advent, four sessions in Epiphany, and four sessions in Lent on Wednesday or Thursday mornings. Final time TBD once the group forms more fully. If you are interested you can reach out via phone (720-862-7645) or pastorchad@atonementboulder.org.
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Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson is creating a cohort for lay professional ministry leaders. This cohort will meet by Zoom on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month beginning October 23rd. Please contact Diana at dlinden-johnson@rmselca.org or 720-280-0998 for more information.
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Pastor Michael Tekrony will lead a cohort for all Siblings in Christ focused on “Beginning with the Holy.” This cohort will gather on Monday mornings and include those who are eager to start the week in intentional time with the Holy while in holy community. Please contact Pastor Michael at mtekrony@icloud.com for more information.
There are also cohorts lead by leaders from outside the Rocky Mountain Synod who are forming the following groups:
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Amy Cavalleri will be leading a group for rural leaders. Register here.
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Antoine Cummins will be leading a cohort for black, indigenous, and people of color. Contact Antoine at antoine.cummins.ac@gmail.com
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Darryl Kozak will lead a cohort for LGBTQI+ leaders. Meetings will be Wednesdays 10:30am-12pm Pacific time. Contact Darryl at revkozak@gmail.com
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CHECK FRAUD - PLEASE HELP
ENROLL IN RMS ACH DIRECT DEPOSIT
In response to our recent check fraud crisis, the synod has launched an ACH Direct Deposit system. Modeled after the process by which money is transferred to Portico, Clergy Financial, and ELCA Churchwide, congregations may enroll in our ACH Direct Deposit system. Once banking information is received and verified, the congregation will be set-up in our bank's secure ACH system and can start initiating electronic payments.
Mission Support Remittance forms will be received via email. You will receive a Mission Support Remittance template to be completed according to your billing timeline in order to make a monthly mission support payment. Each congregation will continue to receive monthly contribution statements by email to verify that the correct funds have been withdrawn and distributed. It is extremely important to reconcile your monthly contribution statement to ensure that all transactions are recorded correctly. Discrepancies should be reported immediately.
ENROLL in the ACH Direct Deposit system by clicking the link below. To report missing contributions or if you have any questions, please contact Jon Johnson, Finance Director at finance@rmselca.org or Yvonne Wilken, Administrator at office@rmselca.org.
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The Southeastern Synod is hosting a training for congregational Treasurers and Financial Chairs led by ELCA Treasurer Lori Fedyk. She will be going over best practices, what to do and not to do, and important and healthy habits. And it’s free! | |
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Future Church: God’s Love Made Real
The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Opinion!
The ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world. Please visit the website Future Church: God’s Love Made Real – where you can watch a video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton that explains more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today. In the coming weeks we will offer listening sessions where you can participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.
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2024 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING
New Orleans, LA
July 13-16, 2024: MYLE & the tAble
July 16-20, 2024: ELCA Youth & Young Adult Gatherings
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Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Confirmation Retreat
Friday, October 20 to Sunday, October 22
Join us for a Confirmation Retreat at Rainbow Trail this fall 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.
Learning in a fun-filled camp atmosphere may be just what your kids need to bond together as a group and build relationships with other confirmands. Spend time in fellowship and learning with our extraordinary Rainbow Trail staff in the place your confirmands have grown to love. Our staff will lead your kids in crafts, team-building activities, outdoor activities such as hiking or archery, fun games and camp-style songs!
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Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Senior High Retreat
Friday, November 17 to Sunday, November 19
The Senior High Retreat is specifically geared for high school youth. This retreat can be an opportunity to connect on the real struggles that high school presents, explore what life after high school might look like, and how we can live faithfully through it all.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be immersed in community on the mountain, in which we will discover and affirm the gifts that God has given us. November in the mountains can be chilly, but also refreshing both physically and spiritually. Join us and other senior high youth in the Synod for a faith adventure in the mountains!
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Sky Ranch Work Weekend
October 20-22
Sky Ranch’s October work weekend is a great way to share your time and talents while enjoying the beautiful fall weather. This weekend focuses on preparing camp for its annual winter hibernation. Projects will be centered around ensuring buildings, vehicles, and spaces are clean, organized, items returned to winter bins and storage areas, supplies pulled that might freeze, etc. Projects for all ages are available! There will be time for fellowship and worship.
Meals (Friday dinner optional, Saturday breakfast - Sunday breakfast) and lodging provided.
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Sky Ranch High School Retreat
November 10-12
Escape to the mountains this fall to Sky Ranch during one of the most beautiful seasons in the Rockies. Join other high schoolers at camp where the goal is to relax and connect with each other and creation. Students will be presented with opportunities to recharge and relax, while at the same time being encouraged to find ways to be kind and gentle to themselves and their friends when they return to their busy lives down the mountain.
https://www.skyranchcolorado.org/high-school-retreat
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Sky Ranch Advent Retreat
December 1-3
Come join us in wonder and anticipation as we celebrate the season of Advent together! Our theme for this year’s retreat will be the Gifts of Advent: Love, Hope, Peace, and Joy. We will spend time in community as we worship, create, eat, and have fun together!
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Paint & Pour with Sky Ranch! | |
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Join us on December 9th as we give thanks for and explore the creativity that lives inside of each of us!
If you have any questions, contact Bekah at bekah@skyranchcolorado.org!
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Sky Ranch
2023 Coyote Howl Confirmation Retreat Recap
2024 Dates Coming Soon!
What a wonderful weekend it was as we welcomed nine middle school campers up the mountain for our Coyote Howl retreat. Staff were in solid agreement that the sound of laughter, games, and fun that children bring to this place had surely been missed! We spent time together in community, worshiping, playing, and learning about what it means to be made in the image of God. Made in God’s image, we are creative, unique, loved, and equipped to share God’s love with the world. We talked about the unique gifts that we all bring to the table, and how being in community helps us to see a fuller picture of who God is. Campers challenged themselves as everyone went up on the high ropes course despite our varying comfort levels, and grew in community encouraging one another along the way. They also hopped right in on worship leadership—playing drums, reading verses, and praying! We are so grateful for all those who joined us on the mountain for this awesome experience!
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ELCA global church network | |
For the latest stories from across the ELCA read the September Mission Support Memo, here, and see previous issues here.
Learn more about ELCA Mission Support
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OCTOBER 15, 2023
Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost
Prayer of the Day
Lord of the feast, you have prepared a table before all peoples and poured out your life with abundance. Call us again to your banquet. Strengthen us by what is honorable, just, and pure, and transform us into a people of righteousness and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
In God's Hands
Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches
15 - 21 October : Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico
Join us in daily prayer
ELCA Prayer Ventures are daily guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world.
ELCA Prayer Ventures (monthly) and Living Lutheran (daily) Prayer ventures
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RMS Prayer Cycle
OCTOBER 2023
Utah Conference
Elim Lutheran
Ogden, UT
Pastor Chelsea Page
Shepherd Of The Mountains Lutheran
Park City, UT
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Ordination
Debra Alba
Cross of Hope, Albuquerque, NM
Sunday, October 15 at 10:00am
Color of the day is Red
Installation
Pastor Dan Carlson
American Lutheran, Grand Junction, CO
Sunday, December 17 at 9:30am
Color of the day is Purple
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Jazz Vespers at St. Paul
Saturday, October 14 at 6:00pm
Purnell Steen and the Five Points Ambassadors will be joining us again this evening. We look forward to seeing you and your friends there! You will be uplifted.
Parking is available in the lot just North of the building directly across Grant Street from St. Paul Lutheran Church.
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AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS
TUVAYHUN
Colorado Chorale & Augustana Chancel Choir in Concert
7:00pm on Friday, October 27
Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E Alameda Ave
Cost: $25 general, $20 senior, free child/student
“Tuvayhoon” in Aramaic is “blessed.” Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing choral journey as the Colorado Chorale collaborates with the Augustana Lutheran Church Chancel Choir to present Kim André Arnesen’s ethereal masterpiece.
This extraordinary work begins from the biblical Beatitudes and responds with new poetry that sheds light on who among us might be in need of blessing. The texts––ancient and new––are woven into a colorful tapestry of music inspired by a variety of traditions, highlighting the universality of the human experience.
Tuvayhun is more than a concert. It’s a celebration of the human spirit, expressed through the unifying power of music!
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FREE !!!
Christian Film Festival
Friday, Nov 3 & Saturday, Nov 4
FREE Admission
Blissfest333 and Glory of God Lutheran Church presents the Colorado Christian Short Film Festival. CCSFF is focused on spotlighting the best Inspirational and Faith-based short films from around the world.
Opening Reception: Friday, November 3, 6:00pm
Glory of God Lutheran Church, 12200 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO
Full Schedule and more information at GloryOfGodChurch.net
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An exciting opportunity to hear the New Dawn Quartet and members of Stratus Chamber Orchestra! They will perform a variety of chamber music by culminating in a performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. | |
"Poetry as Theology" Slam Poetry Workshop Series at Luther House UNM & CNM
Wednesday, October 11 at 5:00pm to Wednesday, November 8 at 5:00pm
Please join Luther House UNM &CNM and First Congregational United Church of Christ for our
"Poetry as Theology" series -- a FREE series of Slam Poetry workshops designed to develop and express Young Adult Theological Perspectives.
Please join us for the following events!
- Wednesday, October 11 from 5pm-9pm
Burque Revolt Open Mic and Poetry Slam
Canvas Artistry: 1 Central Ave. NW
Free drinks and snacks!
- Wednesday, October 18 from 5pm-7:30pm
Slam Poetry Writing Workshop featuring award winning Slam Poet Mercedez Holtry!
Luther House: 1805 Las Lomas Rd. NE
Free parking in back
Free dinner at 5pm!
- Wednesday, October 25 from 5pm-7:30pm
Slam Poetry Writing Workshop featuring local slam poets
Luther House: 1805 Las Lomas Rd. NE
Free parking in back
Free dinner at 5pm!
- Wednesday, November 1 from 5pm-7:30pm
Slam Poetry Writing Workshop and Performance Practice!
Comic-Con themed event for Halloween!
Luther House: 1805 Las Lomas Rd. NE
Free parking in back
Free dinner at 5pm!
- Wednesday, November 8 from 5pm-9pm
Burque Revolt Open Mic and Poetry Slam
Support our folx who want to perform!
Canvas Artistry: 1 Central Ave. NW
Free drinks and snacks!
Please reach out to Pastor Rhonda Newby-Torres with questions at Lcmunmcnm@gmail.com or at (505) 615-2688.
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UPDATE!
Learn How to be a Citizen Scientist
Due to the "ring of fire" solar eclipse on October 14 we are moving our meeting time to 11:30am!
Join Joy Sherlock from Rocky Mountain Wild to learn about being a citizen scientist. She works with the Colorado Pika Project and with Boreal Toad conservation. She will talk about the Pika as indicator species and the Boreal Toad as an endangered species of the Rocky Mountains, and explain the work she does and how you can get involved doing citizen science where you live. Although she is in Colorado, this will be a great talk for everyone in the synod.
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Join Rejoicing Spirits Sunday, October 15, at Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church 21755 E Smoky Hill Rd. Aurora, CO from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
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We will unite in activities, singing, laughing and loving God. Rejoicing Spirits is an inclusive worship space for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities, their caregivers, families and anyone who seeks an open, joyful and creative worship experience.
We will gather at LOTH on the third Sunday of each month in 2023. If you would like more information regarding the Rejoicing Spirits experience or volunteering, please contact:
Pastor Margot at pastor@lordofthehills.org
Pastor Ann Hultquist at native2615@gmail.com or
Karen Ullestad kmullestad@hotmail.com
"We will know what it is to be created in God's image when all are included."
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Everyone join in: Holy Communion Class at Bethany!
October 22 at 11:30am
Holy Communion is a place where we are all brought together around the promises of Christ’s death and resurrection. With this in mind, Bethany Lutheran Church is offering a class about Communion and we are inviting everyone to gather together to learn about this important Christian practice. So you are invited on Oct 22 at 11:30am to take part in a multi-faceted class about Holy Communion.
This educational event is perfect for young people and adults.You’ll learn about the Passover meal and the ways it connects to our practice of Holy Communion. And you will learn about the significance of Communion, what promises from God it communicates and much more. There will be bread baking, a beautiful craft project, and lots of time getting to know one another as we learn about The Lord’s Supper, which unites us all. We would love to share this time of learning with others in the synod! Sign up today!
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The Cornerstone Chorale & Brass presents a Powerful Message Of Reconciliation and Unity
Friday, November 3
6:00pm
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 6322 South Lakeview Street, Littleton, CO
The program features a unique combination of traditional choral and instrumental
music with narration woven together with newly composed musical themes. The 2023 Tour program offers a unique faith experience reflecting on the pervasive fear that underlies our everyday lives, and focusing on the message that “Perfect love casts out fear.” ( I John 4:18 )
Cornerstone is the creation of its conductor, DR. BRUCE VANTINE, and consists of 30 professional vocalists, instrumentalists, narrator and staff currently on a 3½ week tour including 20 performances in 12 states across the Midwest and Southwest. Members of the ensemble include experienced professional performers from all over the United States. The group has presented more than 480 performances since 1988, offering unique and uplifting programs which often help raise awareness and funds for charities in the local sponsoring community. (Read more here)
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Join us at the Stanley Beer Hall (2501 Dallas St. Aurora CO) to celebrate the meaningful values of Urban Servant Corps!
Recently, the USC Board of Directors met with a consultant to help with our big picture visioning for the life of the USC community. We are excited to share about this conversation and would also love to hear your feedback!
No ticket purchase necessary, but please RSVP to krista@servantcorps.org so we can reserve the appropriate number of tables!
Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Bring your creativity of thought and generosity of spirit! We are grateful for your support!
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Director of Music and Worship (part-time)
High School Program Director
Congregational Administrator
Audio-Visual Technician (Livestream/part time)
Chancel Choir Director
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Church Accompanist (part-time)
Executive Director, Service and Justice
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - Chicago, IL.
RMS Property Committee Volunteer
(1-year or 2-year term)
Office Administrator (part-time)
Custodian (part-time)
Director of Handbell Choir
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If your employment opportunity has been filled, please send email to advise Andrew Nakatani so your ad can be removed. | | | | |
