Join the RMS Hunger Network for

Housing and Homelessness: What Can Congregations Do?

Tuesday, October 10 at 6:30pm

ZOOM:

us06web.zoom.us/j/87461345638?pwd=5lbaYyu91oK1Zuvjyc404DDvShUZCA.1

Panel Members Are

Pastor Joel Pancoast – Safe Lot

Zion Lutheran in Loveland, CO

Pastor Joene Herr – Safe Outdoor Spaces

Christ Lutheran in Santa Fe, NM

Mr. Craig Tamminga – Habitat for Humanity

Augustana Lutheran in Denver, CO

Join us to learn and dream!

The world has changed, and the church is adapting. Do you have questions about setting a ministry strategy in this new world? Do you wonder how best to use your church building beyond Sundays? Are you curious about creative partnerships to reach new people? Some congregations have already taken risks in these areas and learned some things that will help us.

Join fellow congregational leaders around the Rocky Mountain Synod for a 90-minute zoom event exploring some inspiring ministry experiments. We will hear from three leaders who have taken some chances in ministry and gained insights they will share with us. After the short presentations we will enter into the small group of our choice for further conversation before returning back for a final debrief.

Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/85471053136

Zoom Meeting ID: 854 7105 3136

Please register ahead of time for this free event! 

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 28

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.

You are invited (both 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.

Some conference meetings have been scheduled. Contact your Conference Dean(s) listed below, or your local pastor for more information.

Border Conference

TBD      

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, WheatRidge, 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)

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. Visit https://thrivingleadershipformation.org for more information. Participants in TLF also have access to 6 session of coaching or spiritual direction at no cost.

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.

• 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 (pastormonicabutler@gmail.com).
• 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 email (pastorchad@atonementboulder.org).
• Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson is creating a cohort for lay professional ministry leaders. This cohort will meet by Zoom on the 2^nd and 4th Mondays of the month beginning October 23rd. Please contact Diana at dlinden-johnson@rmselca.org or 720-280-0998 for more information.
• 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:

• Amy Cavalleri will be leading a group for rural leaders. https://is.gd/jwZXWY
•  Antoine Cummins will be leading a cohort for black, indigenous, and people of color. Contact Antoine at: antoine.cummins.ac@gmail.com
• Darryl Kozak will lead a cohort for LGBTQI+ leaders. Meetings will be Wednesdays 10:30am-12pm Pacific time. Contact Darryl at: revkozak@gmail.com

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.

RMS Forms New Property Committee

The Synod is organizing a new Property Committee with the primary function to advise on strategic planning, resource allocation, and procedural systems related to the care and management of RMS properties (description here). This includes supporting the on-site work of managers at the Lutheran Center and Messiah Mountain Retreat Center.

The Synod is seeking three or four volunteers to serve as committee members for one- or two-year terms. This committee is best served by synod members who are lay or rostered individuals with the desire to share expertise related to one or more industries: property management, construction management, architecture, environmental issues, property inspection, real estate, or legal issues. Members do not need to live in the Denver area.

Send inquiries or recommendations to treasurer@rmselca.org.

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!

A Life Changing Faith Formation Event!

New Orleans, LA

July 13-16, 2024: MYLE & the tAble

July 16-20, 2024: ELCA Youth & Young Adult Gatherings

Priority registration is open for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), the tAble and the Young Adult Gathering! You can save money by registering by November 1. Congregations should select a primary adult leader to coordinate all registration, payments, transportation and rooming lists and to serve as the contact person for communication from the Gathering. Registration is open through April 15, 2024. Remember, the sooner you register, the better your chances are of having your preferences honored. Register here!

Only 9 more days until...

Rainbow Trail's 5K Grace Race !!!

Saturday, October 7

Onsite registration opens at 2:00 p.m.

Race start is at 4:00 p.m.

Help erase World Hunger at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp’s 16th Annual Grace Race on Saturday October 7, 2023 at Sloan's Lake Park in Denver!

This annual 5K run/walk was started as part of RTLC’s 50th anniversary in 2007 to raise money for ELCA World Hunger. The event is held in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Synod Hunger Network. Over the last 16 years, RTLC and the participants of Grace Race have contributed over $88,000 to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. We are aiming for 200 participants in this year’s race. Help RTLC send another $10,000 check to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal!

Online registration is open NOW until 4:30pm Friday, September 29. Day of race registration begins at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 7 at Sloan's Lake Park. Come run or walk, and make a difference!!

RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP

Rainbow Trail Women's Retreat

Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 8

It’s time for you to free yourself from your daily stressors and escape to Rainbow Trail for some spiritual freedom, fellowship, and fun! 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. Call your best gal pals, staff alumni sisters, church buddies, neighbor that God has been nudging you about. But do it soon… registration will fill fast!

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!

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!

Holden Village Jubilee Auction

Holden Village is excited to announce that our biggest fundraiser event is back for the fourth year! We invite people to join us for the all-online Jubilee Auction from Wednesday, October 4 – Sunday, October 8. 

Save the Date for the Jubilee Auction!

Holden Village is a year-round remote wilderness retreat center, rooted in the Lutheran tradition, that welcomes all people into the North Cascade Mountains, above Lake Chelan, Washington.

Holden Village relies on donations to help cover costs of daily operations and programs. Help support our mission to welcome all people into the wilderness to form and renew their relationships with God, the earth, and each other.

You will also have the opportunity to fund other special projects and funds including supporting the Indigenous Artist-In-Residence program, new mattresses, and a portable cardiac monitor for the Holden medic station.

We are excited to feature stays and retreats at several Lutheran and Christian camps in the Pacific Northwest and West in our auction.

Whether you live close by or far away, whether you’ve recently visited or it has been a long time or you have never visited Holden, YOU can connect with the Holden community far and wide by participating in the Jubilee Auction.

All proceeds will support Holden Village, so you can enjoy bidding on fun items and experiences for yourself or as gifts, all while sustaining Holden's mission.

Share this event with your congregation:

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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.

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

CONTEMPLATIVE OUTREACH OF COLORADO

Fall Conference with Brian McLaren

Faith, Doubt and Contemplation: Being Contemplatives in a Dangerous Time

Saturday, October 7, 9am-3pm MT

(in person & via zoom)

Join theologian and author, Brian McLaren, for his talk on Faith Doubt and Contemplation: Being Contemplatives in a Dangerous Time. "The road to faith after doubt is often lonely. But beyond the loneliness, you discover a place of solidarity where everything is sacred and everything belongs, including your doubts and including you..." Register or call 303-698-7729.

ONLINE EVENT

From Wedding Rings to Nose Rings - Generational Differences in the Pews

Presented By Faith Roberts, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

Tuesday, October 10, 5:00 - 7:00 pm MT

Registration fee: $30 for LFCNA members/ $50 for non-members

Have you been wondering why some churches elect to rent a high school gym or area hotel for worship? Or why the front of the worship space is an electronic haven? For some, church attendance is a given for others it is "nice if you can make it".

At the time of this presentation worship is being done with up to SIX generations attending/ watching/listening. The world we live in changes continually as has attendance patterns and financial support of places of worship. Understanding what defines each generation helps the practicing Faith Community Nurse (FCN) to support programming and services that speak to different age groups. 

"Poetry as Theology" Slam Poetry Workshop Series at Luther House UNM & CNM

Wednesday, October 11 at 5:00pm - 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.

Learn How to be a Citizen Scientist

Oct 14 at 10:00am

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.

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!

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)

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!

"OUR MISSION: Together in Jesus Christ we are freed by grace to live faithfully, witness boldly, and serve joyfully. 

OUR VISION: A world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ makes for all people and creation."

The Rev. Meggan H. Manlove was elected April 29, 2023 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Northwest Intermountain Synod.

See the Northwest Intermountain Synod Data Toolkit 2021, visit nwimsynod.org, and on Facebook.

Click here to view a Bishops and Synods map of our 65 ELCA synods and 9 regions.