Pastors and deacons from throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod are gathering in Park City, Utah, this week for their annual Theological Conference.

We are grateful for the people of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church in Park City who have extended such warm hospitality!

Sessions and conversations are focussing on the many layers of trauma that have affected our congregations and ministries during these years of the pandemic. For all of us to ponder: how do we hold on to hope as people of faith and resilience?

Announcing the next Generosity Watch Parties

One more event on September 24

Join in for resources and connections that inspire and empower a culture of generosity!

The Watch Parties are on Zoom from 10:00am to 11:15am on these three Saturdays:

July 30: "Practice Gratitude"

August 27: "Not Stewardship in a Box"

September 24: "Abundance Mindset"

Our time together is led by RMS staff, GSB Fundraising consultants, 3E leaders, EiL leaders and invited guests. Each presentation also provides a curated follow-up packet of relevant online resources on these topics from the Center for Generosity. Please register and you will receive the Zoom link prior to the session. Watch Party Registration

Questions? Contact Deb Elstad, 3E Associate Director for Stewardship at deb.elstad@gmail.com or Tina Kvitek, RMS Director of Development at tkvitek@rmselca.org.

Excellence in Leadership - It is for YOU!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 25

Listen to the experience of Melvin "Flip" Wilson, a local lay leader, who shares about his passion for Excellence in Leadership in this video.

Another year of programming is beginning for our congregations across the Rocky Mountain Synod. As the tasks and commitments mount and schedules fill up, you might be thinking, "I don't have time for one more thing to add to my already busy schedule". We are overcommitted, we are tired, we are frazzled and we are in many ways spiritually spent. So, in light of that, Excellence in Leadership may feel like "just another thing that I don't have time for".

However, we would like to offer an alternative perspective. As a people and as individuals who feel scattered and dis-membered, Excellence in Leadership does not just provide tools and lectures, it provides a deep spiritual experience to build up in each of us resilience to persevere and safe spaces for hard conversations. It provides spiritual practices to help ground us when we are frazzled. It helps us to re-member who we are - individually and communally.

For more information, download this brochure, and visit: rmselca.org/excellence-in-leadership

Registration is still open. Will you join us?

Take Action and Take our Congregational Survey!

The Hunger Network submitted a resolution at the 2022 RMS Synod Assembly and it passed unanimously! The resolution calls upon congregations to take concrete steps to: increase their support of local hunger ministries, increase their awareness of hunger and poverty issues through educational resources developed by ELCA World Hunger, and to increase opportunities to financially support the work of ELCA World Hunger.

Here is a flyer with suggestions for how to implement this resolution in your congregation. AND click the button below to take the Congregational Hunger Ministry Survey. 

Colorado Ballot Initiative Update! Come one, come all!

Sunday, October 9, 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Augustana Lutheran Church

5000 East Alameda Ave, Denver, 80246

Anna Paulson Room

Peter Severson, Director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado, will be our guest speaker and will provide an update on upcoming Colorado ballot initiatives. Advocacy through ballot and legislation is one way that we partner with our neighbors struggling with issues of housing, education, hunger, mental health, and more. Please pass along this invitation. Come a little early and pick up lunch in the Fellowship Hall and bring it with you to the meeting (free or freewill). This meeting is hosted for everyone by Augustana's Human Dignity Delegates in lieu of their regular monthly meeting.

Send questions or comments to info@augustanadenver.org, and use Subject line: Human Dignity Delegates.

7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO 80221

Zoom ID: 992 2724 5869

Passcode: 274795

"You are not alone! Join us every Third Thursday for our RMS Faith Formation Network meetings! (next meeting is Sept 13)

We are primarily online now due to the surge of COVID cases. Stay in the loop with all things Children Youth and Family Faith Formation in the Rocky Mountain Synod!"

FROM VICKY DAUB, VSCP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

" We Are All Here"

“Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” Recently, I read these words from Acts 16:28 as part of the reading during worship for the 7^th Sunday of Easter. I kept re-reading them as I practiced. In my role as the Executive Director of the Veteran Servant Corps Project (VSCP), I have been thinking about the phrase “we are all here”, especially in terms of the 18+ Veterans who complete suicide daily in our nation. Raising awareness about this issue is one our VSCP tenets. Are you and your congregation interested in joining in conversation around this important issue? Contact me, Vicky Daub, at Director@veteranservantcorps.org.

Are you interested in being part of our “We Are All Here” initiative by donating? Click here then select the General Fund Gift option, enter "Veteran Servant Corps Project" in the note/memo line. If you prefer to mail a donation, send it to the Rocky Mountain Synod, 7375 Samuel Drive, Denver, CO 80221, adding Veteran Servant Corps Project to the note portion of your check.

Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness with Children and Teens

Thursday, September 22, 7:00-8:00 pm

“Our kids are not okay. Our children and youth are hurting!” Those who know this are also hurting. You are invited to join a series of Thursday Evening Connections about the books, Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence on Mental Illness and Teens and Children, and the “Survival Guide” by the Rev. Sarah Lund. These books shake up any lethargy about the plight of our youth’s mental health. We are in a crisis. Our facilitator is Deborah Berghuis, PhD, a trauma-informed, gender-affirming therapist who enjoys working with the members of the LGBTQA+ community, faith leaders, clinicians, and healthcare professionals.

Join the zoom conversation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220.

On Sunday, October 9 from 3:00pm - 5:30pm, Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund (while on medical leave) will be featured in a pre-recorded message to offer the context for our program. We will engage with a panel including youth and adults and five Breakout sessions (schools, families, and faith communities, including suicide prevention and LGBTQA concerns), all in person. Registration info to follow.

This series is hosted by Atonement Lutheran Church, Boulder, Mental Health Ministry, and the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (inmi.us). Questions, contact revalan2004@comcast.net.

Fall Festival at

Glory of God in Wheatridge, CO

October 1, 10:00am - 3:00pm

Presenting quality family activities and a truly unique Fall experience! Ease your way into Autumn with some Family Fun for Everyone!

We will kick-start the season with lots of family activities and games. From live music performances, a car show, reptile petting zoo and a children’s art exhibit to a cake walk and a bake sale, there will be a variety of fun activities for the whole family and Food Trucks!

Admission is FREE! Please bring a pair of new shoes for the Wholly Kicks non-profit (Children’s or Adult) or canned food for Bienvenidos Food Bank.

For more information, please visit GloryOfGodChurch.net

Glory of God Lutheran Church, 12200 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO

(303) 421-2721

FOR FAITH FORMATION LEADERS

Growing Young Summit

Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2

Bethany Lutheran, 4500 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO

(303) 758-2820

ALL SAINTS, AURORA, CO

2022 Socktoberfest

Saturday,October 8

11:30 am - 3:00 pm

SOCKTOBERFEST is BACK!

Save the date for Saturday, October 8 for Live Music, Food Truck, Bounce House, Face Painting, and More!

This is a community event free to all (food/drink for purchase) and benefits Wholly Kicks. Support those in need by donating NEW socks or athletic shoes for Wholly Kicks.

Music provided by Bill Lotter, traditional accordion player, and Vista Peak choirs, Empower and Unlimited. Food truck What Would Cheesus Do? will have food and drinks for sale. Grab a divine grilled cheese, bring your friends and family, and come have a great time!

See you there! Visit allsaintsnet.org/socktoberfest2022

Parenting Safe Children Zoom Workshop

Thursdays, October 8 and 15

9:00am-11:30am

Feather Berkower LCSW presents a class for parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers on body safety and sexual abuse prevention. This Zoom workshop which will be held in two sessions on October 8 and 15 and is open to everyone. While the statistics can be scary and heavy to address, participants leave feeling empowered and equipped for prevention rather than scared and worried.

Volunteer at Boulder Valley Christian Church

to help Marshall Fire survivors

Sunday, October 9

Help with a community picnic for Marshall Fire survivors and others impacted by the fire in Unincorporated Boulder County on the afternoon of Sunday, October 9 at Boulder Valley Christian Church, 7100 S Boulder Rd, Boulder.

Needs include about 15-20 volunteers to help with transport, setup, sign-in, cleanup, etc.

Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Confirmation Retreat

Friday, October 14 to Sunday, October 16

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!

Get more info and signup at: rainbowtrail.org/retreats/confirmation-retreat

ALBUQUERQUE RETREAT

“Soul Songs for Every Season” 3-Day Retreat

Join this Music that Makes Community retreat at Norbertine Abbey in Albuquerque, NM

Thursday, Oct. 13 - Saturday, Oct. 15

Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey in Albuquerque, NM 5825 Coors Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121

Join Music That Makes Community for a spacious, three-day/two-night retreat at the Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from October 13-15, 2022. As we enjoy the beauty of autumn in the desert, we’ll sing and reflect on the theme “Soul Songs for Every Season.” Recognizing the rapid change and constant pivoting in our lives the past few years, we'll lean into a spacious time for rest and rejuvenation, tune ourselves to the rhythms of the land, and listen for songs and spiritual practices that can sustain us through every season of life.

The retreat will be led by a dynamic team of musicians and clergy from the United States and Canada, including Sylvia Miller Mutia, David Poole, Patti Powell, Emilie Teresa Smith, and Paul Vasile. There will be regular opportunities for communal worship and reflection, as well as time for personal rest and renewal.

Individual and shared housing options are available for overnight guests, including Hermitages and new guest rooms with private bathrooms. All rooms are comfortable, accessible, and simply furnished. Capacity is limited, so RSVP early to guarantee a place.

Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Senior High Retreat

Friday, November 18 to Sunday, November 20

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!

Get more info and signup at: rainbowtrail.org/retreats/rtlc-senior-high-retreat

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Glenwood Springs, CO

Joins the RIP Medical Debt Reduction Campaign

GSLC has launched a campaign with RIP Medical Debt to acquire and forgive $500,000 for our neighbors throughout Colorado.

RIP Medical Debt is able to turn each $1 contribution into $100 of debt relief! Our campaign will appear on their website by Sep 1 as “Coloradans, Ease Their Pain” and GSLC has contributed the first $2,500; then will spread the word to others to raise at least another $2,500 by the end of the year. Please encourage friends and neighbors, especially across Colorado, to read more, and donate by going to ripmedicaldebt.org/campaign/coloradoans-ease-their-pain!

EMMANUEL LUTHERAN, GREELEY, CO

Church Organ – Ready for a New Home

An electronic church organ is available for use in a new place. It is offered by Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greeley. Until recently, this organ served the sanctuary and was being used in combination with six ranks of windblown pipes. The pipes are now interfaced (summer 2022) with a new console and system of speakers. Anyone interested in removing and relocating the used console and its speakers needs to contact the church office at (970)352-3003 or write to office@immanuelgreeley.org prior to September 30.

Read more >

"The Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA is here to support our member churches and their rostered and lay leadership. Together with our member churches, we are here to discern and follow God’s will to nurture, serve, and lift up the people in our congregations, in our communities, in our region, and around the world."

Bishop Ann Svennungsen was elected to the Minneapolis Area Synod in 2012, the first woman elected as bishop in any of the six ELCA synods in Minnesota. Visit mpls-synod.org and also on Facebook.

Click here for a map of our 65 ELCA synods and 9 regions.