RMS NOMINATIONS NEEDED

Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church

Open Nominations Jan. 9 – March 9

At the 2022 Churchwide Assembly, voting members adopted a memorial concerning restructuring the ELCA’s governance and "authorized the establishment of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) to consist of no more than 35 voting members and directed the Executive Committee of the Church Council to initiate the process of forming the commission."

• Read more in this article from Living Lutheran here.

The nomination process is open until March 9, 2023. More information about the commitment and expectation of serving on the CRLC can be found here. Interested individuals who wish to be nominated or to nominate another person should complete and submit the nomination form.

ASSEMBLY 2023

Cruzando Fronteras

May 16-18, 2023, in El Paso, Texas

We will gather in El Paso, Texas, for the 2023 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly to experience firsthand the gifts and challenges of ministry and mission on the southern border of the United States. An assembly last took place in El Paso in 2009.

On Tuesday, May 16, we begin at 4 p.m. The assembly concludes at noon on Thursday, May 18. Additional details and registration will be posted as available.

You are encouraged to make your airline travel arrangements now to have the best choice of available flights.

LAM COLORADO

Join us for Colorado Lutheran Day at the Capitol

Thursday, February 16

8:00am to 1:00pm

We want to make sure you have one important date saved on your calendar already: Colorado Lutheran Day at the Capitol is back! Our annual event focused on learning, community building, and lobbying your elected officials will take place on Thursday, February 16. You can join us online via Zoom or in-person at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1600 Grant Street, Denver. Registration is currently open!

What: Colorado Lutheran Day at the Capitol

When: Thursday, February 16 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1600 Grant Street, Denver + Colorado State Capitol Building

Cost: $20 for full-day in person*, $5 to join the morning session only by Zoom

*Breakfast, lunch, and all materials are included in the in-person registration fee.

For more details and to register now, visit: Colorado Lutheran Day at the Capitol info + FAQ.

LAM NEW MEXICO

2023 NM Issue Briefing and Bishop's Luncheon!

Tuesday, February 21, 9:00am-noon

After pausing this annual event for the last two years, the New Mexico 2023 Legislative Issue Briefing is scheduled in person for Tuesday, February 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the United Church of Santa Fe.  Sign-in and refreshments will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m. Following the protocols of United Church, masks will be required by participants in the building. The event will include morning devotions, a Bible study on advocacy with Bishop Jim, special guest presentations, and a legislative advocacy summary of priority bills still active.

Please note, there will be no Zoom option for the Issue Briefing.

At the conclusion of the Issue Briefing, participants will proceed to the La Fonda Hotel in downtown Santa Fe. The Bishop's Luncheon which will begin at 12:30 p.m. and conclude at about 2:30 p.m. The luncheon will include more with Bishop Jim, special presentations, and of course, a wonderful lunch. Masks are not required by La Fonda and thus are optional.

The cost for both NM events is $40 per person. (This amount covers just the charge for lunch at La Fonda. The event is not a fundraiser.)

Spring Cohort of Excellence in Leadership

Registration is open!

Excellence in Leadership is opening up a new Spring Cohort that begins March 12, 2023, and will meet about every other week until April 28, 2024. This type of leadership development is a good way for a newly formed Congregational Council to begin its work together.

If you have two or three people from your Council, including the deacon or pastor, who might be interested in exploring the intersection between spirituality and leading a faith community in these uncharted times, check out if this ministry might be right for your congregation. This small number of people participating in learning the tools and growing in leadership capacity can help the whole Council begin the process of healthy change.

FOR YOUR ANNUAL MEETING

Share our RMS Annual Report snapshot of how we are better together!

Our financial report for 2022 is not complete (because our fiscal year ends January 31), but your annual meetings are NOW. Thus our two-page annual report .pdf is ready for you to download and include in your Annual Reports––either digital or in print. This represents a very small slice of the many ways we are Better Together as the Rocky Mountain Synod!

• download .pdf in color
• download .pdf in black and white

EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP RETREAT

Deepen resiliency and create community with EiL colleagues

Resiliency, Community, and the Loneliness of Leadership

February 16-18, 2023

The Excellence in Leadership Team is excited to invite EiL colleagues to their first retreat, geared at graduates and those in Year 2 of this initiative. We recognize that the work we need to do to deepen resiliency, create community, and excel as leaders is not over when participants graduate from Excellence in Leadership. There is always work to be done, and it can be hard to do it in the normal confines of everyday life.

This retreat will...

• allow space for being understood in a community of leaders.
• carve out time away from the demands of leadership.
• present Excellence in Leadership material related to Community and Resiliency.
• strategize ways to shift culture and craft a new way forward.

This retreat is set before the season of Lent, so leaders can come and let go of some of their burdens ahead of a busy and deeply spiritual season. The retreat will take place at the Franciscan Retreat Center, Colorado Springs, CO. Retreat facilitators are Pastors Will Johnson and Katie Emery.

Questions? Send email to eil@rmselca.org.

CHECK FRAUD

Don't send checks to RMS in window envelopes, and check your statement

Many checks have been stolen within Postal Service networks and deposited fraudulently. We have learned this is widespread problem. Banks have been efficient in issuing the funds to us correctly, but we have to track down missing funds first!

We are requesting that treasurers and financial staff be sure to reconcile the statement emailed or sent each month (from Jon Johnson, our financial manager) with your records to confirm that the RMS has received payments that you have sent.

We are working on fraud prevention strategies, including a system for authorizing electronic fund transfers. Please contact Jon with questions.

RMS MINISTRIES

Resources for Veterans

Many veterans are unaware of the many resources available to them after their military service to help them navigate challenges they may face. These challenges may include medical and mental health issues, difficulties in personal relationships, as well as financial hardships. Taking the first step towards facing these challenges is often the most difficult for veterans.

If you are a veteran or you know of a veteran facing life challenges and don't know where to turn, the Veteran Servant Corps Project is here to help. We can help you or the veteran you know take that first step towards getting the needed assistance. Simply contact Vicky Daub at director@veteranservantcorps.org.

LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION

Ambassador-Gram

January 2023

The Ambassador-Gram features 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.

This issue includes videos shared from last October's Bold Gathering speakers, Bible study, Book study, Retreat dates, Winter Foundations newsletter,  and New Project 12 Lifeline information.

Click the graphic to download a copy or go here for more information and back issues.

RMS FAITH FORMATION TEAM

Trauma Informed Youth Work Webinar

presented by Youth Ministry Consultants

February 9 at 9:00pm MT

Check out our new partnership with Youth Ministry Consultants (youthministryconsultants.org)! Not only do they offer monthly webinars, and different trainings/ cohorts, but you can also call Rebecca or me (Kinna Kemp at misskinna.cyf@gmail.com) for consulting. I hope everyone can take advantage of these free or highly reduced-cost resources, gifted by your Rocky Mountain Synod! 

ATTN: Youth Pastors & Ministry Leaders: Who else wants their ministry to be safe for hurting teens to find God’s healing? 

• 44% of teens nationwide are experiencing hopelessness
• 45% of children in the U.S. have had one traumatic experience and 1 in 10 have experienced 3 or more

We are ALL working with youth that have experienced trauma on some level. Youth Leaders need to know:

•  What trauma is and how it impacts teens
•  How to provide effective and compassionate support for teens
•  How to avoid causing more harm or getting overwhelmed

Don’t miss our Webinar addressing these needs with youth ministry expert Tim Cryer. For 20 years, Tim has specialized in creating healing environments for hurting students. Tim will equip youth leaders to adjust their ministry to give the care and support students need! You will also have the chance to ask questions about how to handle challenges in your ministry!

* Use Coupon Code: RMS23 to register for free! *

YOUNG ADULTS IN GLOBAL MISSION

Young Adult Border Immersion Trip

Las Cruces, New Mexico

April 26-30, 2023

The ELCA Young Adult Ministries, AMMPARO, and LIRS invite young adults to apply for border immersion trip taking place from April 26-30 in Las Cruces, NM. This is an opportunity for young adults ages 18-35 to travel to the US-Mexico border to experience an accompaniment-style immersion program, where relationships and first-hand educational experiences are prioritized, and issues are linked to action. Submit your application by February 1st.

AUGUSTANA ARTS PRESENTS

VOICES OF LIGHT CHAMBER CHOIR

NEW NORMAL

A Celebration of People of Color

Saturday, February 4

3:30pm – 4:30pm

Augustana Lutheran Church

5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver

Part of the New Normal Concert Series collection.

Voices of Light Chamber Choir Celebrates the Compositions of People of Color!! A continuation of our year of choral activism.

IN-PERSON EVENT

Jazz Vespers

Second Saturdays at 6

Saturday, February 11 at 6:00pm

Saint Paul Lutheran Community of Faith

1600 Grant Street, Denver, CO 80203

303.839.1432

The Andrew Vogt Jazz Quartet swings in the spirit for a terrific Jazz Vespers service at Saint Paul Lutheran Community of Faith. All are welcome at this church. This is an historic old church building in Denver with a lot of history and a big high ceiling sanctuary great for listening to live jazz! The Andrew Vogt Jazz Quartet will perform several full-length jazz tunes during the hour! You will be able to hear and feel the spirit through the jazz music! Please join us!

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

Managing Leadership Anxiety

Friday, Feb 3 from 6:00-9:00pm

and Saturday, Feb 4 from 8:00-2:00pm

God is counting on all of us to be leaders in our workplaces, homes, community, schools and beyond creating peace and inclusion. Abiding Hope Church is hosting a free workshop on “Managing Leadership Anxiety” by Steve Cuss. Steve Cuss is an author and speaker on leadership anxiety, helping individuals learn to function as calm, aware, and present humans in their work and home place.

Join us Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4 with dinner, breakfast, and lunch included. This event is free! To register please email Cathi@abidinghope.org.

Speaker info at stevecusswords.com.

ZOOM WORKSHOP

Explore "The Story Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us"

Tuesday, February 7 at 6:00pm CST

For anyone in our ELCA interested in telling stories - stories of God, Ourselves and Others - join us next Tuesday, February 7th from 6-7:15pm CST for The Story Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us!

Rev. Jake Jacobson, DEM Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod, and Karen Kretschmann, ELCA Mission Support Team, are eager to share stories and listen to stories! Come rediscover God's story and how its intertwined in your story. Let's learn to share these stories across our congregations, synods and greater church TOGETHER!

Flyer attached to share or forward this message to all those you know who love dwelling in God's story within us!

You can access the Zoom link here!

ZOOM CONVERSATION

Reflecting on our collective experience of the pandemic

rescheduled due to Zoom issues:

Thursday, Feb. 9 from 11-12:30 MT

register in advance, below

Pastor Sarah Scherschligt, an ELCA pastor serving in Alexandria, VA, wrote a book during the pandemic called, God Holds You: A Pandemic Chronicle. Pastor Sarah is now offering to share about her book and lead an RMS small group conversation on our collective experience of the pandemic. 

In her blog she writes, “These gatherings have confirmed my hunch that the act of remembering the pandemic together—as church—is invaluable. It helps us grieve, heal, build community, and commit to the values that we discovered were so important. It also helps us lay the groundwork for future generations to look back on what we have done and use our stories to make sense of their own.”

Please register so we can contact you if there are any Zoom issues. Pastor Diana Linden-Johnson will provide the Zoom link to you prior to the event.

ZOOM CONVERSATION

"Sacred Nature" Book Discussion

Saturday, February 11, 10:00am

Join the Creation Care Team in discussing Sacred Nature by Karen Armstrong.

Read a review of Sacred Nature here. From the back cover - This book is an urgent manifesto and a practical guide on how to rekindle our spiritual bond with nature, drawing on the wisdom of the world's religious traditions.

Zoom - us02web.zoom.us/j/83008940316

SHARE THIS LENT DEVOTIONAL

"Wild Hope: Stories for Lent from the Vanishing"

February 22-April 9

Join the Creation Care Team and use the devotional "Wild Hope: Stories for Lent from the Vanishing (Volume 1)" by Gayle Boss.

From the cover - We share this planet with creatures magnificent, delicate, intricate—and now vanishing at a faster rate than at any other time in Earth’s history. Spend Lent with twenty-five of these endangered animals. Vivid descriptions of the miracle of each creature and the peril it faces will fill readers with wonder and grief at what these animals suffer on a planet shaped by human choices. Their true and difficult stories will wake readers to a greater compassion—which is what Lent, meaning “springtime,” has always been for. These stories also wake in us a wild hope that from all this death and ruin something new could rise. The promise of Lent is that something new will rise. In fact, as these stories attest, our hope, though wild, is not impossible and is already loose in the world.

Read more here, questions- rmscreationcareteam@gmail.com.

AURORA, CO

Join Rejoicing Spirits for Valentines!

Sunday, February 19, 4:00-6:00pm

Join Rejoicing Spirits at Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church 21755 E Smoky Hill Road in Aurora for dinner and worship!

We will unite in activities, 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.

We will gather at LOTH on the third Sunday of each month in 2023.

If you would like more information regarding the Rejoicing Spirits experience or volunteering, please contact Pastor Margot Wright at pastor@lordofthehills.org or Pastor Ann Hultquist at hultquist@augustanadenver.org.

“We will know what it is to be created in God’s image when all are included."

ZOOM EVENT

Trauma & Its Healing

presented by Dr. Pat Fosarelli, M.D., D.Min

Tuesday, February 21

4-6 pm PT, 5-7 pm MT, 6-8 pm CT, 7-9 pm ET

Although we might think only of major crises when we hear the word “trauma,” trauma includes any disturbing experience that elicits a highly negative emotional response. Trauma is characterized in three ways: acute, chronic, and complex. This presentation will offer information as to the types of trauma (and examples thereof); how they present/how they can be recognized; what damage they can do to those experiencing them; strategies for beginning the healing process; and vicarious trauma (the trauma suffered by those witnessing trauma suffered by others, including caregivers). Download flyer here.

The Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association is sponsoring this educational event. Non-members and non-nurses are welcome to attend.

Registration fee: $20 for LFCNA members/ $30 for non-members

"The area we serve in Wisconsin stretches from the bottom of Lake Winnebago to the Northwoods, from the shores of the Bay to the path of the Wisconsin River.

All of our ministry--as a synod office, synod and wider church--is rooted in the promises of baptism. In baptism, we receive a tangible promise from God that in life, death and life-after-death, nothing will ever separate us from God’s love.

As a synod and as part of the wider church and world, we give thanks to God, and ask for God to help and guide us. Amen!"

The Rev. Anne Edison-Albright was elected Sept. 26, 2020 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin.

Visit ecsw.org and on Facebook.

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