With gratitude for his life and ministry, we commend to God the Rev. Wayne Weissenbuehler, who served as the last bishop in the Central District of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) and the first bishop in the Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at its formation in 1988. Read the complete obituary. 

Ordained into the American Lutheran Church in 1963, Pastor Weissenbuehler served St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pittsburg, Kansas, and Christ the King Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado, before becoming assistant to the bishop of the Central District of the ALC. He was elected bishop of the Central District in 1981, and in 1987 he was elected as bishop of Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA.

As bishop, Pastor Weissenbuehler helped create the Lutheran-Episcopal Concordat, served as a human shield to Lutheran bishop Medardo Gomez of El Salvador, encouraged congregations and church leaders in Madagascar and Estonia, and flew below the radar during the civil war in Namibia. He advocated for the ordination of women, served on college boards, and never turned down an invitation to proclaim a sermon. He loved his pastors and their congregations.

In 1993, Pastor Weissenbuehler was called to serve as senior pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. Retiring from Bethany in 2006, he returned to Iowa to work and teach at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and to be interim pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa. He was then associate pastor at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and from 2009-2014, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Burlington, Iowa, taking a month off each summer to be chaplain at Lutheran Summer Music Academy at Luther College.

In his last years, Pastor Weissenbuehler resided at Klein Center nursing home in West Burlington, Iowa. He was 87 when he died from complications of Alzheimer’s on September 2, 2022.

The memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 24 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, with Bishop Jim Gonia and Bethany senior pastor Gary Sandburg presiding. He will be interred in the columbarium at Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. He asked that memorial gifts be given to Wartburg Theological Seminary, 333 Wartburg Place, Dubuque, Iowa, 52003.  

Bishop Jim joined with the people of Augustana Lutheran Church, Denver, as they broke down and repackaged 4,000 pounds of rice and beans for Metro Caring, a Denver ministry.

Throughout the ELCA, projects of ministry and service were carried out in Jesus' name to be the hands and heart and voice of Christ alive and active in the world.

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?

2022 Theological Conference

Sept 19-22, Park City, Utah

This year’s Theological Conference is Monday, September 19 at 4:00 p.m. until Thursday, September 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the DoubleTree in Park City, UT, and Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church.

Registration is now closed. Please contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo at sbjornebo@rmselca.org or 303.970.0259 with questions.

More information on visiting Park City

More information about our hotel: The DoubleTree - Yarrow

IN-PERSON BETHANY LUTHERAN, DENVER, AND ZOOM

"Thirsting for Water"

Saturday, September 17, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Register by Wednesday evening, September 14!

Are you wondering exactly what to think about the climate crisis and widespread drought whose stories fill our headlines almost daily? Where is God in all this news? What are the actual facts of the situation? What is a holy response we can undertake? This Rocky Mountain Synod event will help you learn, discuss, ponder and consider personal actions to address this crisis and its impact on food production and hunger.

The registration link is open until Wednesday evening, Sept 14, at rmselca.org/events/thirstingforwater. Cost is $25 per person on-site (includes lunch) and $15 for Zoom participants.

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. 

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!"

Let's Talk About Suicide Prevention

David Galvan

Our guest speaker is David Galvan. David has been teaching, training, and facilitating conversations with students and adults about whole-person health since 2010. During that time, David has personally spoken to close to 30,000 students along the front range of Colorado and across the country.

His vast amount of experience with students, informed him as he co-produced two evidence-informed presentations that focus on healthy relationships and the issue of teen mental health awareness and suicide prevention. He is an engaging and dynamic speaker, who has spoken to a variety of local and national communities through countless workshops & seminars.

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.

ZOOM MEETING - FREE!

Introduction To Centering Prayer Workshop

Saturday, Sept. 17, 9am - noon

Are you looking for a way to explore or deepen your relationship with God? In our introductory workshop to Centering Prayer, you will discover a centuries-old prayer method. Centering Prayer consists of simply sitting in silence with God - beyond thoughts, words, and emotions - and opening our mind, heart and whole being to the Ultimate Mystery. In this workshop, you will learn the basics of Centering Prayer, experience it in a guided setting, and be able to ask questions and share experiences with the presenter and your fellow initiates.

centeringprayer.net/introtocenteringprayer

ZOOM MEETING - FREE!

12-Step Intro to Centering Prayer Workshop

Saturday, Sept. 17, 9:00am - noon

Many members of 12 Step recovery programs have found Centering Prayer to be transformative in their recovery work generally, and specifically as it pertains to emotional sobriety and practicing a daily 11th Step. Our presenters will share their experience, strength and hope with Centering Prayer. We will present this simple method to help deepen contact with your Higher Power. Those who already practice Centering Prayer as a part of their 12 Step recovery and desire a refresher will also find the presentation useful.

centeringprayer.net/introto12step

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.

WHEATRIDGE,CO

Fall Festival at

Glory of God Lutheran

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

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.

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

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

Campaign gift honors Pastor Bev Piro's Ministry

On August 28, St. Andrew, Arvada, celebrated the retirement of Pastor Bev Piro. The congregation gave a gift to the Rocky Mountain Synod "Next Faithful Step" Campaign in her honor. "It isn't a huge amount," she said, "But it is for St. Andrew!" 

Noting that the first phase of the renewal of Messiah Mountain Retreat Center was made possible through campaign gifts, she said. "I am beyond words at the transformation taking place at Messiah Mountain as it is becoming a revitalized place to host meetings, retreats, and many other events that support ministry in the Rocky Mountain Synod. I feel a special connection to MMRC." Pastor Piro had previously served an interim ministry at Messiah Community Church, Denver.  

We join in celebrating Pastor Piro's many years of ministry!

Giving thanks for the Rev. Dan Erlander, beloved pastor and author

The Rev. Dan Erlander, born December 10, 1938, died August 28, 2022, in Seattle Washington. He was ordained in 1966 and served as one of the pastors at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from 1975 to 1981.

He is widely known for the booklets he wrote and illustrated including Baptized We Live and Manna and Mercy which are still used in many congregations in our synod and throughout the ELCA. A memorial service in being planned for October at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynwood, Washington. We give thanks for his life and ministry.

More information at caringbridge.org/visit/danielerlander

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!

Tailgating for CSU Football Games

Starting 4 hours before each CSU home football game.

Park at LuMin - Lutheran Campus Ministry (805 S Shields St, Fort Collins) for each of the home CSU football games. Contact Pastor Paul at pastor@lcmcsu.org if you would like to reserve a spot for the whole season for $100 or $20 per game. Or just come by on game day for a good spot to park and know your $20 is supporting faith-filled young adults attending college. Tailgate out of your own car, come into the newly renovated building, enjoy clean bathrooms, or use the barbecue grill on the back deck and play some corn-hole.

Questions, send email to pastor@lcmcsu.org or visit lcmcsu.org.

Faster Pastors RAN 165-Mile Mountain Relay for Wildfire Survivors

September 9-10

Since the Rocky Mountain Synod has been hit so hard by fires in recent years, the Faster Pastors ran for victims and survivors of fires throughout the synod. Funds given for the cause will provide basic needs for survivors of wildfires, which include food and temporary housing, mental health and trauma resources, and rebuilding, insurance, and material goods replacement.

The Faster Pastors ran the Flaming Foliage Relay again from Idaho Springs to Buena Vista on September 9-10, covering 165+ miles, 30 legs, and 3 mountain passes! As they ran, they thought about the areas around our synod that have been devastated by wildfires, praying for survivors.

Support the Faster Pastors! Contact pastorjoel@zionloveland.com if you would like to give a gift for the RMS disaster fund.

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 here >

The congregations and all the baptized who are the Southwestern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are claimed by this mission: God places us in cities, farms and towns together under one prairie sky. The Risen Christ surprises us with opportunities to plant God’s Word in the world. By God’s grace, together we have what we need.

We are the third largest synod in terms of number of congregations with 232 congregations and two synodically authorized worshiping community. We are the fourth largest synod in terms of baptized members with 102,163. The synod is divided into 10 geographical conferences.

The Rev. Dr. Dee Pederson serves as Bishop and was elected June 12 to serve a six-year term. Visit swmnelca.org and also on Facebook.

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