Meghan Johnston Aelabouni Elected Bishop

of the Rocky Mountain Synod

The Rev. Dr. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, Jerusalem, was elected April 27 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during Synod Assembly, April 25-27, at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, CO.

Johnston Aelabouni was elected on the fifth ballot, with 232 votes. The Rev. Barbara Berry-Bailey, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Denver, and Special Assistant to the Bishop for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, received 148 votes.

The bishop-elect has served as pastor of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem and as Theologian in Residence with the ELCA Middle East and North Africa Desk since 2021. Previously she has served as country coordinator for Jerusalem and the West Bank with ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (2019-2021); co-pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, Colo. (2010-2016); and associate pastor of Christus Victor Lutheran Church, Elk Grove Village, Ill. (2007-2010).

Johnston Aelabouni earned her Bachelor of Arts in religion and English from California Lutheran University (CLU), Thousand Oaks, Calif., in 2001, and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) in 2006. CLU is one of 26 ELCA colleges and universities; LSTC is one of seven ELCA seminaries. In 2021 she earned a doctorate in religion from the Iliff School of Theology and the University of Denver.

Johnston Aelabouni will take office Aug. 1. She will be installed Oct. 5 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver.

The Rev. James W. Gonia is retiring after serving as bishop since 2012. His last day will be July 31.

Mark your calendars for the Installation! Saturday, October 5 at Augustana L.C., Denver - the time will be announced soon!

For additional Synod Assembly information: resolutions passed, individuals elected . . . please visit the RMS Assembly page HERE



Celebrate Bishop Jim Gonia!

Join us Saturday, June 29 at 3:00 p.m. at First L.C., Colorado Springs for a celebration of ministry

Click HERE to view the invitation with additional information.

Denver PRIDE 

Saturday, June 22 and

Sunday, June 23



Volunteer at the Lutheran

(RMS-ELCA) Booth

• Click here to sign-up to staff the booth!
• Volunteers are needed to help staff the booth in 2-hour shifts between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm on Saturday, June 22, and from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday, June 23, with set-up and tear-down options as well.
• The Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA Booth is D35, The Episcopal Church in Colorado Booth is D34 - Map not currently available, but will be sent to participants when known.

March in the Parade

• Click here to sign up to march!
• Bishop Jim Gonia and Bishop Kym Lucas encourage all area Episcopalians, Lutherans, and Methodists to march in the Parade on Sunday, June 23.
• Be prepared to spend about 2 hours total for the march and be prepared to walk approximately 2 miles.
• Everyone who signs up to march will be notified where to meet once we have our parade assignment. Please note: we will receive our parade assignment a few days before the parade. Please plan on meeting at the assigned location by 9:00a to join in worship before we begin marching.
• Please coordinate with other members of your church or group to have a pole banner, matching shirts, or signs to hold. Be creative and have fun!
• Per PrideFest regulations, only service animals are allowed in the parade.

Help Supply Items for Hurricane Relief Kits 

You can be part of our exciting ELCA 2024 Youth Gathering in New Orleans even if you aren't sending youth from your adults. We invite you to help be part of our Service Learning Day by donating small personal battery operated fans from the Target Gift Registry. In the aftermath of a storm, hurricane or tornado New Orleans residents can find themselves without electricity and in a crisis. Each of the 9 Regions of the ELCA is sending to New Orleans items to make disaster relief kits. Your donation of our Region 2 in-kind offering (the small fans) will be used to make up 3000 kits. It is simple to make this donation. Donations are sent right to New Orleans follow this link https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift-giver?registryId=e7018790-eb8c-11ee-8811-17f737ff4d39&type=CHARITY to make your donation. 

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, 2024. 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!

Thank you for joining New Beginnings at Synod Assembly! 

If you missed our video or would like to share our video with your congregation, watch & share it HERE!

New Beginnings Worshipping Community is a congregation that worships inside the Denver Women's Correctional Facility. We worship every other Sunday at 2:20pm with 100-150 people. We are our own congregation, with our own called Pastor (Pr. Samm Melton-Hill), a resident band led by a local musician (Sarah Adams), and our own leadership team of residents that make up the Inside Council (pictured above). Our congregation is thriving inside the walls of the prison! We can't provide the support or sustain our community without the support of congregations and individuals like you as we are entirely funded by grants, congregational giving, and individual donors. 

If you would like to visit New Beginnings for service at the Denver Women's Correctional Facility or would like Pr. Samm to visit your congregation to share about New Beginnings, please email us at nbwcstaff@gmail.com.

Office Clerk Position at the Office of the Bishop

We are seeking a part-time Office Clerk to assist operations staff with basic clerical functions. The main focus will be accounts payable, cash receipts, filing, and reconciliations. The position will require 10-12 hours per week on-site at the Office of the Bishop.

Click HERE to view the job description

El Pueblito is hosting a 3-day core Godly Play training! 

June 21 10:30 am - June 23 4:00 pm

Godly Play is a Montessori-based approach to children's religious education. The experience of a Godly Play training is one of a spiritual retreat. The setting - Taos, and El Pueblito - are stunning, and you'll enjoy the beauty of nature while learning this unique Montessori-based approach to children's religious education. Trainer Sharolyn Browning is outstanding. 

Training spaces are limited (limit of 12 unless an additional trainer is added). Thanks to a generous Bishop's Award grant from the New Mexico Conference of the United Methodist Church, we are able to offer a scholarship rate to all participants if you register by May 15. 

Information also availble soon on the Godly Play Foundation website:

https://www.godlyplayfoundation.org/events/trainings

Saturday, September 28th

Healthy Congregations Workshop

with the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center.

Save the Date! Pass the word!

Healthy Congregations workshop, Saturday, September 28th, First Lutheran Church, Longmont. This workshop is open to anyone interested in any denomination or synagogue. More registration materials to come in August.

Healthy Congregations uses the insights of Bowen Family Systems theory to help church leaders become more effective stewards of their congregations. This workshop was developed by Dr. Peter Steinke and is based on the work of Dr. Edwin Friedman, author of Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue. The Healthy Congregations workshop is designed to equip leaders to respond to the presence or potential threat of anxiety in a congregational system in ways that prevent destructive conflict and help the church stay focused on its unique mission and purpose.

• Learn how you as a leader can positively influence the health your congregation
• Learn how to keep anxiety from being infectious
• Gain confidence in responding to challenges and opportunities
• Learn how to limit invasive behavior, manage reactivity, and overcome sabotage Learn to focus on strengths, resources, options, and the future.

Who Will Benefit:

• Clergy who are interested in learning a proactive approach to managing anxiety in their church
• Church lay leaders who want to gain confidence in their position and how to best manage challenges
• Anyone interested in learning how to manage oneself and become a positive representative of the church

Hosted by Rev. Jay Wittmeyer, who is the Executive Director of the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. Jay is an educator, organizational development consultant, and mediator with

broad experience, serving conflicted churches and organizations in the U.S. and

international settings. Grounded in an Anabaptist peace-building tradition and working from a Bowen family systems perspective, LMPC works to transform conflict in a healthy manner.

ELCA Veterans Rally Point

Saturday 8 June 0900 to 1200

First Lutheran Church (In the Peel House) 1515 North Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs

For all ELCA veterans, active/reserve military, spouses, and friends – The Rocky Mountain Synod Veterans Service Corps needs your guidance for support to local veterans and families.

Agenda 0900

Gathering and Coffee

0930

Opening Remarks

Mission of Veterans Service Corp

Overview for our Meeting

1000-1100 Brainstorming Groups

1100-1145 Combine Ideas 1145

Closing

Contacts: Ron Furstenau furstrp@gmail.com, Jeff Zust zustjeff@gmail.com, and

El Carter carterfamily@prodigy.net

The purpose for our gathering is to 1) talk about ways our congregations are supporting veterans and 2) brainstorm ways that we can perform or support ministry programs in our area for our veterans and their families.

This gathering is an extension of the Veterans Service Corps Project Committee from the Rocky Mountain Synod that is tasked with the recognition of veterans and community ministry and support to veterans, spouses and military families.

Encountering Luke with Dr. Adam Braun

hosted by the Northern Colorado Conference

Rostered leaders are invited to join colleagues for a continuing education retreat at Sky Ranch! Dr. Adam Braun, Assistant Professor in New Testament and Theology at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, will join us as our keynote speaker, focusing on the gospel of Luke as we prepare for Year C of the RCL and Year 3 of the Narrative Lectionary. Sessions will include seminars, as well as workshop time to develop a preaching or faith formation series you can use in your community in the coming year.

Between sessions there will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the quiet and beauty of Sky Ranch. We’ll eat and worship together each day, with options for hiking, high ropes, or just kicking back and enjoying the time away. Open to rostered leaders. Partners may attend and must register separately.

Location: Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

Dates: Sunday, August 4 - Wednesday, August 7

Check in: 4-6pm Sunday. Departure: 10am Wednesday.

Costs

Lodging ($XXX) + Program & Food ($275)

Lodge Single: $195 + $275 = $470

Lodge Double: $98 + $275 = $373

Cabin (Shared): $33 + $275 = $308

Tent Campground: $105 + $275 = $380

RV Campground: $135 + $275 = $410

Optional High Ropes: $35

Lodge rooms are limited and are available on a first come first served basis. Once your registration is received you will receive a confirmation notice of housing and an invoice. 

Registration deadline: May 31, 2024

Questions? Contact Pr. Kaari Nieuwlandt: pastorkaari@trinityloveland.org

Springtime Gardening

Springtime means gardening where we plant and nurture until the harvest. 

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown, it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches. Matthew 13:31-32 (also see Mark 4:31-32 and Luke 13:18-19)

The story of the mustard seed is obvious. A small seed can make a big difference. The symbol of the small seed growing into great power is also found in Luke 17:6, The Lord replied, If you had faith, the size of a mustard seed, you could say to the mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you. Also, faith can move a mountain as in Matthew 17:20, Nothing will be impossible for you.”

The mustard mentioned in the Bible is probably black mustard which is native to Europe and Persia (now Iran). The small seeds can grow into a tall shrub (9-12 feet tall) with many branches. The other mustard species are the herbs from which we get the pungent spice. mustards are members of the Brassicaceae family. (The older name for the family is Cruciferae because the four petals of each flower form a cross.)

I is difficult to believe that such a small seed (2 mm or 1/16 inch) has the potential to grow into a large shrub or tree. Some biblical translations of Matthew13:32 report that birds “rest” or “perch” or “find shelter” in the branches of the mustard shrub/tree. Luke 4: 32 specifically mentions birds seeking shade. The message is clear: We can experience the growth of the kingdom of heaven, and we can all develop our potential as we grow in Christ. 

God of grace, hear our prayer. Bless the gardens of the world, the soil and rain and sunshine, and the work of all who sow and reap. Give abundant harvests, and teach us to share them with justice. God of grace, hear our prayer. anglicanchurchcq.org.au › worshipfiles › Garden

For additional information: rmscreationcareteam@gmail.com

“Catch” the Love of Jesus

Sunday June 2 10:30AM 

REJOICING SPIRITS Sunday, June 2 at 10:30AM 

ST. PHILIP LUTHERAN CHURCH 

7531 S Kendall Blvd, Littleton, CO 80128 



Join us for activities, snacks, 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.

For more information, contact Deacon Korra at klooschen@stphilip-co.org

Graduate Theological Education for Everyday People

Iliff School of Theology has offered graduate level education for more than 125 years through a range of degree programs. Now, through TIER, Iliff is bringing its unique approach to theological education to the public with a series of summer courses that offer our world-class teaching outside of a traditional degree program.

TIER is designed for people considering a graduate degree, people in ministry and community leadership who want to dive deeper into study, or anyone who is ready to transform their understanding of religion and spirituality. TIER allows you to innovate your approach to your life’s biggest challenges and to realize the truths that matter most to you.

Learn more about Tier HERE

Transform your understanding of religion and spirituality.

Innovate your approach to life’s biggest challenges.

Explore your beliefs and the beliefs of others.

Realize the truths that matter most to you.

Healing of Memories Workshop for Religious Leaders

Thursday, June 3-6

The Healing of Memories workshop is for clergy and religious leaders who have experienced emotional, psychological and spiritual distress – in their personal or professional lives. This workshop provides a safe, confidential environment, the ideal setting to help participants take the necessary steps toward healing.

As religious leaders, your unique role is to minister to other people’s pain, yet you often lack a safe space to address your own. You experience secondary trauma without a place to address and heal it. A faith community gives life and strength but is also an institution where one often experiences pain; we offer a safe place to address these wounds, recognizing the invaluable contribution you make to the healing of others.

Sponsored by the Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM) and Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, the workshop is Monday – Thursday, June 3-6, 2024 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. 

Caffeinated Church Conference September 9-12, 2024

Denver, CO

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Church Administrators
• Communication Directors
• Pastors/Clergy & Lay Ministry Leaders
• Volunteers involved in church management

We are excited to announce an in-person conference, September 9-12, 2024! Early Bird Registration is $250 (through April 30!) and no membership to Caffeinated Church is required to attend. And if you are a church with an Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) of less than 100, you will receive 50% off your registration. We are excited to gather together

May 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo 

This month our Mission Support Memo follows the journey of Parkside Lutheran Church, nestled in North Buffalo, NY, where over the last six years they have been experimenting, risking, and building connections to show "God's doors are open for all" and all are invited to come early and stay late! Plus join us Monday, May 20^th for a fabulous webinar on "STORY MATTERS" from Rev. Heather Roth-Johnson, a storyteller, a public speaker, a workshop leader, a writer and in general just a creative soul. We also share our gratitude for all the staff and volunteers who work so hard to plan and execute synod assemblies. Read the memo here!