At the Edge of Advent

The story of Advent is the story of Love

that comes to be with each of us, no matter what.

As Advent begins, what is your hope for the holy days?

What will help you stop and savor this season?

What is God "stirring-up" or "awakening" in you?

Image: Where Advent Begins by Jan Richardson

The Painted Prayerbook

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Education Event

January 7-12, 2024

You 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. 

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 is December 7th!

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 VanderWel HERE or Pastor Barbara Berry-Bailey HERE

NEXT Tuesday Dec. 5th!

Colorado Gives Day

Give to these organizations through the Colorado Gives Day website (click on the name of the organization and give TODAY!)

• Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains
• New Beginnings Worshipping Community
• Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center
• Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp
• Urban Servant Corps
• Lutheran Campus Ministry at CSU
• Wholly Kicks

A NOTE FROM DAVE JARVIS: SUPPORT RAINBOW TRAIL!

Colorado Gives Day is an annual day of giving to non-profit organizations all across Colorado. Whether you live in Colorado or not, you can donate to Rainbow Trail on Tuesday, December 5. Each donation helps RTLC receive additional funds from Community First Foundation through a sum that's divided among all participating non-profit organizations and prizes at the end of the day. You can even make your CO Gives Day gift NOW so you won't forget to donate! Gifts made in November on the Colorado Gives website will count toward Rainbow Trail's Colorado Gives Day total on December 5. Help us reach our goal of $110,000 for Colorado Gives Day!

Bishop Election Zoom Discussion

If you were unable to attend your conference meeting in October, you are invited to participate in a Zoom conversation Monday, December 11, 6:30-8pm.

Discussion during the Zoom meeting will be similar to the conference discussions and information about the logistics of the bishop election will be shared. If you're interested, this meeting is for you!

Questions? contact Pr. Ann Hultquist HERE

Interested? click the button below to sign-up!

ENROLL TODAY!

RMS ACH DIRECT DEPOSIT

In response to the 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 payment for all synod related 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 



RMS Youth Gathering February 17-19

YMCA - Estes Park Grades 6-12

Deadline fast approaching!!!!

Join us for a weekend of Fun, Fellowship and Faith Formation with Pastor Wylie Cook from House for all Sinners and Saints!

USE THE BUTTON BELOW TO PRE REGISTER TODAY!

*** So far we DO NOT have enough interest to run the event! Please fill out the group registration form no later than December 3rd if your church plans to attend! ***

ATTENTION ALL CYF (Children, Youth, and Family) LEADERS! 

As Kinna Nordstrom Kemp transitions out of the role as RMS Faith Formation Coordinator, Bishop Jim has requested a team of CYF leaders who are passionate about the future of CYF Ministry to form a Discernment Team. The goal of the team is to discern the needs for our CYF Lay/ Rostered leaders and how we desire the Rocky Mountain Synod to support us in the future. This information will help to inform what is needed before Bishop Jim leaves the office, and to create something to hand off to the next Bishop and staff. 

Meet with Bishop Jim on Wednesday, December 20th at 1 PM via Zoom.

If you are interested in attending or have questions, please email Kinna HERE!

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!

Companion Synod Visit 2024

The Rocky Mountain Synod will be hosting the presidents from our four companion synods in Madagascar September 28-October 6, 2024!

Our hope is to introduce the presidents to different areas and ministries of the synod as they make their way from El Paso, TX to Denver, CO for the installation of our new bishop on Saturday, October 5^th. If you would like to be part of a planning team for the visit, please contact Terry Cole, Companion Synod rep on the Global Church Network, at tecole51@comcast.net. And if your ministry is in El Paso, TX, northern New Mexico, Durango, CO, Price, UT, the Salt Lake City area, Laramie or Cheyenne, WY and the Denver Metro area and you are interested in meeting and providing hospitability for our guests, please contact Terry, as well!

Excellence in Leadership is a ministry meant to “build courageous, resilient, and faithful leaders for the sake of the world.” This is the tagline. This is the mission. And in each cohort we have celebrated these as some of the numerous outcomes as well. We see the results in individuals. We see the results in relationships. We see the results in congregations.

It’s a fact. Excellence in Leadership is making a difference around the country, and it started right here in the Rocky Mountain Synod. It is truly something that has thrived and grown and make a meaningful impact in a season of the church and the world that seems to be filled with disappointment.

Listen to Phil Evan’s experience:

SMART WAYS TO GIVE BEFORE 2023 ENDS 

Would you like to finish this year with a gift that maximizes your impact 

and potentially reduces your taxes?

Consider the smart options below.

1.    MAKE AN IMMEDIATE DIFFERENCE... WRITE A CHECK!

When you support the ministries of your congregation, your Rocky Mountain Synod, or your ELCA by simply writing a check, you make great things happen and may receive a federal income tax charitable deduction. If you itemize, you can write off the amount you’re donating, resulting in lower taxable income. Unsure of whether your gift is tax-deductible? Contact your financial advisor or tax consultant. Did you know? Your envelope must be postmarked on or before Dec. 31, 2023 for your donation to qualify for this year.

2.    USE APPRECIATED SECURITIES

By donating appreciated securities that you have owned for longer than one year, you receive the same income tax savings as you would by making a gift of cash. You also eliminate any tax on the appreciation. Did you know? If the securities are electronically transferred to us, the gift date is the day the securities enter our account — not the date you ask your broker to make the transfer — so don’t wait till the last moment and give today.  And don’t worry, if your congregation does not have a process for managing security transfers, the Rocky Mountain Synod can help!

3.    CONTRIBUTE TO AND FROM YOUR DONOR ADVISED FUND (DAF)

Add funds to an existing DAF or open a new one with a community foundation, financial institution, or sponsoring organization – then distribute funds from your DAF to your congregation or favorite charity. Did you know? You qualify for a tax deduction when you make a gift to a DAF, without immediately having to choose the organizations you want to support. If you are ready to making a lasting impact with your DAF, consider setting up recurring grant distributions to support your congregation, or your favorite Rocky Mountain Synod ministries, like Excellence in Leadership or the RMS Disaster Response Fund.

4.    MAKE A QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION (QCD) FROM YOUR IRA

If you are 70½ or older, you can give any amount up to $100,000 from your IRA to your congregation, the Rocky Mountain Synod, the ELCA... or to all three! (Note: This amount will increase in subsequent years to adjust for inflation.) You will not pay income taxes on the transfer. If you are required to take minimum distributions, you can use the qualified charitable distribution to satisfy all or part of your obligation. Your IRA administrator must remove the funds from your account by Dec. 31 for your donation to qualify this year. Did you know? If you have check-writing features on your IRA, your check must clear your account by Dec. 31 to count toward your required minimum distribution for the calendar year, so give today!

Let’s talk about the best option for you!

CONTACT: Tina Kvitek, RMS Assistant to the Bishop for Generosity at Email: tkvitek@rmselca.org or Call/Text: (720)238-3763.

Opportunity to assist a Venezuelan family in Denver

Migrants from Venezuela continue to arrive in Denver almost daily. The Rocky Mountain Synod AMMPARO team recently received a message from the Lutheran Church in Venezuela requesting assistance for a Venezuelan family that recently arrived in Denver and is currently staying at one of the city-sponsored hotel shelters.

The Villarroel-Brito family fled Venezuela when they feared for their safety and then spent three months making their way to the southern border. This family of five includes a mom, dad, two teenagers and a 3 year-old who will celebrate his 4th birthday on December 2! They have no other family living in the US. The mom's father is a Lutheran pastor in Venezuela!

We are forming a team of congregations and individuals who would like to accompany this family as they apply for asylum and settle into their new life in Colorado. There are multiple ways to help including exploring housing options, companionship and practicing English, transportation, finding work, providing groceries and other basic necessities, and financial assistance - especially to cover housing and legal costs. If you would like to join the team or have ideas to share with the team: please contact Carolyn Swenson from St. Paul-Denver at cjswenson57@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your compassion, prayers and support!



THE VELVETEEN RABBIT

featuring Hazel Miller, Narrator, and Stratus Chamber Orchestra

Sunday, December 10 at 3:00pm

Augustana Lutheran Church

5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver

Tickets: $20 adults/$10 children

(Financial constraints should not be a barrier to enjoying the arts. If you desire complimentary tickets, please reach out to us at info@augustanaarts.org.)

Experience the transformative power of love and imagination with Lowell Liebermann's "The Velveteen Rabbit," a musical journey inspired by the cherished children's story, narrated by Hazel Miller, singer of Colorado’s Hazel Miller & the Collective. Also, enjoy the timeless magic of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite," as its delightful melodies transport you to a world of childhood wonder and enchantment. Alongside these captivating compositions, Stratus’s Music Director Adam Torres presents his own arrangements of beloved holiday favorites, infusing them with a unique twist that will leave you filled with warmth and holiday cheer.

ATONEMENT LUTHERAN - BOLDER, CO

Feed My Starving Children Food Packing Event Invitation

December 8-9

All, at our check-in on Tuesday I shared about the food packing event Atonement is hosting. It is an event where we will pack 100,000 meals into sealed bags. The $30,000 for the event is secured and so we invite you to bring a group from your congregation to join in the work and fun. We have slots for something like 460 volunteers. If you haven't done this before, they are a great opportunity and experience. 

Here is the blurb we have out to our community. You see there is information left to fill in on the "how" line. You'll have to figure out how to do sign-ups. You can go to this link to reserve a group # of spots. We have chosen to have people give their interest to us and then will add their names. You'll see other groups are reserving blocks of 10, 20, or 25. - www.fmsc.org/volunteer-listing/?mobilepack=2312-247EA

If you plan to do this, please just let me know, ok. so we can include that in our planning. Let me know if you have questions.

------------------------------------

What: We will be packing over 100,000 meals with over 400 volunteers; meals are distributed to over 70 countries around the world

Where: HOST Atonement Lutheran Church

When: Friday, December 8, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday, December 9, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM/Noon to 2:00 PM/3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

How: Pick a time slot that works for you and reserve your spot. Sign up for a packing slot at church on sign-up sheets.

If you are interested in a limited number of other non-packing volunteer opportunities (unloading/set up/clean up), please go to the FSMC website for details and to sign up directly: www.fmsc.org/.

Contact Glenda Frazier (whitemice284@gmail.com), Karen Nielsen (johnkaren@nielsenhouse.net), or Sandy Ramsey (storm2007@msn.com) with any questions.

Musical Advent Calendar

Join Lutheran Summer Music, December 3-24 for our third-annual Musical Advent Calendar -- a daily moment of music and reflection on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages as well as the LSM website

Caffeinated Church Conference September 9-12, 2024

Denver, CO

The 1st Annual Caffeinated Church Conference will bring together leaders, administrators, communicators, and volunteers in our faith communities. Our mission is to equip and inspire you to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your church's communication and administrative functions.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Workshops & Collaboration Sessions: Gain access to hands-on workshops, led by known experts in church communications and administration. Hear from influential thought leaders who will challenge your thinking and provide fresh insights into the ever-changing landscape of church communication and administration. Topics include strategic planning, social media outreach, artificial intelligence, budgeting, digital evangelism, volunteer management, leadership development, and more.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals who are facing similar challenges and share best practices. Engage in thoughtful discussions and create lasting relationships that will benefit your ministry.
• Innovative Technology Exploration: Explore the latest tools and technologies that can enhance your church's communication and administration. From cutting-edge software for graphic design, to AI tools for working more efficiently and effectively, to creative solutions for engaging your congregation, discover what's new in the field.

Bethany College Receives a $500,000 Matching Fund

Bethany College recently hosted a service of celebration and thanksgiving to unveil a generous gift from an anonymous donor. A $500,000 matching fund has been established for every contribution made to the annual fund before December 31st. These crucial donations will be funneled directly into scholarships, greatly benefiting Bethany students. 

As partners in ministry, your support is vital to Bethany College’s enduring mission. Together, we can ensure that our students have the opportunities to discern their vocational callings and find the path to their purpose. To give as part of this challenge you can: 

• Mail a check, noting “Annual Fund for $500,000 Challenge” on the subject line.
• Visit our donation portal at http://www.bethanylb.edu/give
• Consider making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) if you are aged 70 ½ or over. 

Should you need any guidance or have questions, please reach email Jacob Spilker or call 785-227-3311 Ext. 8622. Go Swedes!