Announcing the next Generosity Watch Parties

Two more events on August 27 and 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.

2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

Summary of Actions

The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly met Aug. 8-12 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Gathering under the theme "Embody the Word," the assembly worshiped together in services of eucharist and lament, experienced a liturgy rooted in Indigenous traditions, and heard a public apology in a nonlegislative session to Iglesia Luterana Santa María Peregrina for harm experienced from actions taken by the Sierra Pacific Synod and this church.

Read more >

FROM RELIGION NEWS SERVICE

Meet Imran Siddiqui, the first Asian American vice president of the ELCA

Siddiqui, who became Lutheran in 2011, said he doesn’t always get all the ELCA's 'in' jokes about hot dishes and Garrison Keillor. But he hopes he’ll bring a different perspective that will be helpful.

Read more >

RMS voting members reflect on the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

From Bishop Jim Gonia, "If the 2022 Churchwide Assembly convinced me of anything, it is the fact that the Holy Spirit still has use for this part of the Body of Christ we call the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America..."

Read Bishop Gonia's heartfelt thoughts about the Churchwide Assembly, along with those of our RMS voting members.

Excellence in Leadership - It is for YOU!

SEPTEMBER 2 REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Excellence in Leadership is an experiential journey for any who wish to become more resilient, healthy, and creative in their lives and in their leadership. It is meant for people of all ages and in all stages of life: lay or rostered, council member or back pew sitter. As we navigate what the future may hold as people of faith, Excellence in Leadership provides opportunities to think adaptively and meet that future boldly.

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

Thank you! to these congregations who have given to the Next Faithful Step campaign!

In addition to the 120+ individuals/families who have contributed to the campaign, making the Messiah Mountain Retreat Center renewal possible, we celebrated the RMS congregations who have shared campaign gifts of generosity:

Congregational Endowments & Foundations

Augustana Lutheran Church Foundation, Denver, CO

Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation, Denver, CO

Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church Endowment, Dillon CO

Congregations

First Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs CO

Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield, CO

Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Greeley CO

Shepherd of the Mountain Lutheran Church, Estes Park, CO

St Paul Lutheran Church, Albuquerque NM

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Arvada, CO

St. Marks Lutheran Church, Aurora, CO

Zion's Lutheran Church, Trinidad, CO

Gifts from Holy Closure Congregations

Christ Lutheran Church, Cheyenne WY

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Boulder CO

More information about the campaign and how to give.

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

RMS HUNGER MINISTRY TEAM

"Thirsting for Water"

Saturday, September 17

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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?

The Rocky Mountain Synod has an event coming up that will help you learn, discuss, ponder and consider personal actions to address this crisis and its impact on food production and hunger. You're invited to Thirsting for Water: At the Intersection of Climate, Water, and Hunger. It will take place September 17 from 9 am to 3 pm at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CO, and via Zoom.

The registration link is live now at rmselca.org/events/thirstingforwater. Cost is $25 per person on-site (includes lunch) and $15 for Zoom participants. Register now!

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. 

On Sunday, Sept. 11, congregations of the ELCA will join for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, our dedicated day of service. As you explore opportunities to participate, visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for planning resources including a tool kit, worship material, videos, posters, social media graphics and a special hymn for the day. As we continue our tradition of service to our neighbor, we remember the words of Martin Luther: “Our faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing.” Plan your day of service.

It's your Faith Formation Network!

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! We are primarily online right now with 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.

Upcoming VSCP Events

LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION

Ambassador-Gram

July 2022

Ambassador-Grams help Ambassadors and Partners of Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) share information and feature LMM resources and upcoming events to help individuals and congregations with their ministry to men. It is LMM’s hope that this information will help equip men to be bold, daring followers of Christ.

Get your July 2022 Ambassador-Gram here >

ONLINE MEETINGS

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

Thursdays: Aug 25, Sept 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.

Rev. Lund will be in Boulder in person on Oct. 9-10 (download flyer). Her books are available online.

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

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.

AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS

DOTSERO Jazz & Launch the Season Party!

Sunday, August 28, 2022

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Augustana Lutheran Church

Join us for the ultimate end-of-summer party as we “Splash into Arts” and launch into our 25th season of arts and music! Bring your family, friends, and a blanket to sit on as you enjoy music by Colorado’s own DOTSERO jazz band. Beer, wine, sodas, and snacks will be available to purchase with all proceeds going to Music Encounters.

Tickets are $10 per person ($15 with an included drink coupon!). Children under 12 are free. Prices go up by $5 after August 25.

In addition to music, snacks, and drinks, this is your final chance to bid on a stand from The ArtiStandza Project! Also, find out what’s in store for the 2022-23 Stratus Chamber Orchestra season, and meet our new conductor, Maestro Adam Torres!

Tickets available at augustanaarts.org/tickets. More info here, download flyer here.

FOR FAITH FORMATION LEADERS

Growing Young Summit

Saturday, October 1 & Sunday, October 2

Bethany Lutheran, 4500 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO

(303) 758-2820

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.

Season of Creation 2022

September 1 through October 4

This year's symbol is the burning bush. Today, the prevalence of unnatural fires are a sign of the devastating effects that climate change has on the most vulnerable of our planet. Creation cries out as forests crackle, animals flee, and people are forced to migrate due to the fires of injustice. On the contrary, the fire that called to Moses as he tended the flock on Mt. Horeb did not consume or destroy the bush. This flame of the Spirit revealed God’s presence. This holy fire affirmed that God heard the cries of all who suffered, and promised to be with us as we followed in faith to our deliverance from injustice.

Creator of All,

From your communion of love your Word went forth to create a symphony of life that sings your praise.

By your Holy Wisdom you made the Earth to bring forth a diversity of creatures who praise you in their being. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

You called human beings to till and keep your garden. You placed us into right relationships with each creature so that we could listen to their voices, and learn how to safeguard the

conditions for life. But we turn in on ourselves and away from our co-creatures.

We close our ears to the counsel of our fellow creatures. We fail to listen to the cries of the poor and the needs of the most vulnerable. We silence the voices of those who hold the traditions that teach us to care for the Earth. We close our ears to your creative, reconciling and sustaining Word that calls to us through the Scriptures.

We lament the loss of our fellow species and their habitats that will never speak again. We grieve the loss of human cultures, along with the lives and livelihoods that have been displaced or perished. Creation cries out as forests crackle, and animals alike flee the fires of injustice

that we have lit by our unwillingness to listen.

In this Season of Creation, we pray that you would call to us, as from the burning bush, with the sustaining fire of your Spirit. Breathe upon us. Open our ears and move our hearts. Turn us from our inward gaze. Teach us to contemplate your creation, and listen for the voice of each creature declaring your glory. For “faith comes from hearing.”

Give us hearts to listen for the good news of your promise to renew the face of the Earth.

Enlighten us with the grace to follow the Way of Christ as we learn to walk lightly upon this holy ground. Fill us with the hope to quench the fires of injustice with the light of your healing love that sustains our common home.

In the name of the One who came to proclaim good news to all creation, Jesus Christ.

Amen

In this Season of Creation, this symbol of God’s Spirit calls us to listen to the voice of creation. Learn more at seasonofcreation.org.

Faster Pastors to Run 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 have decided to run 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 will be running the Flaming Foliage Relay again from Idaho Springs to Buena Vista on September 9-10, covering 165+ miles, 30 legs, and 3 mountain passes. The Faster Pastors expect to finish in about 30 hours, running nonstop through the night. As we run, we will be thinking about the areas around our synod that have been devastated by wildfires, praying for survivors, and sharing our story of support and recovery with other teams and runners.

Two ways to support the Faster Pastors:

1. Contact a member of the Faster Pastors team to ask how contributions can be made to support them.
2. We are in need of one volunteer to help marshal the course. Let Joel Pancoast at pastorjoel@zionloveland.com know if you are interested or want more information.

Marshall Fire Relief - help!

Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer to help our community members and neighbors affected by the Marshall Fire? Churches can offer specific skills/help here: 

forms.gle/MNsBYPw6CxPvgWNj6

Current Volunteer Opportunity: Debris removal, which will happen August 13 and 14. Sign up a group from your church by August 7 at: 

signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BA9A928A1FBC52-marshall

The South Dakota Synod consists of 200 congregations with approximately 280 Ministers of Word and Sacrament (Pastors) and 21 Ministers of Word and Service (Deacons).

Our Vision is “Journeying Together in Christ.” How will we journey together in Christ?

• Relating with intentionality
• Networking across the church
• Equipping leaders for ministry
• Sharing Leadership
• With confidence in Christ’s Love for All

The bishop is served by the Rev. Constanze Hagmaier, who was elected to a six-year term at the South Dakota Synod Assembly in June 2019. Visit sdsynod.org/.

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