Together we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.

DECEMBER 22, 2021

A RECONCILING IN CHRIST SYNOD

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Our prayer for you is that you listen for and hear the song of the angels at Christmas: Gloria in Excelsis Deo!

Love be our song. Love be our prayer. Love be our endless story.

Christmas Peace,

Bishop Jim Gonia

Yvonne Wilken Sarah Bjornebo Jon Johnson Tina Kvitek Andrew Nakatani

Peter Severson Kurt Rager Michael Tassler

Quirino Cornejo Barbara Berry-Bailey

Dana Peterson Sarah Moening Kent Mueller Margy Schmitt-Ajer

HYMN ELW 242: Marty Haugen

Photo: Jim Gonia

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares her 2021 Christmas message

This is our second pandemic Christmas and there's so much that's broken in this world, so much that tells us, “Why have hope? Just give up.” But we have a hope that's stronger than any of this, stronger even than death. The hope of God comes in the form of a tiny baby, a helpless child. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Download the text of this message in English

Download the text of this message in Spanish

staff updates

Pastor Sarah Moening to step down from Transition Ministry, February 1

She continues as Excellence in Leadership Director

Pastor Sarah Moening has served since 2012 in the area of transitions ministry, overseeing congregations in the call process and the interim ministry program. Most recently she served half-time in that capacity, overseeing these areas in both the Grand Canyon Synod and Rocky Mountain Synod, along with a team of transitions coordinators. We express our gratitude for the gifts she has brought to this ministry the past nine years.

On February 1 she will no longer serve in that capacity but will continue her half-time position as Director of Excellence in Leadership, the Rocky Mountain Synod's initiative for building and developing faithful and resilient leaders.

Transition Ministry Director––

Deacon Janice Zimbelman

Janice Zimbelman is a Deacon in the Grand Canyon Synod where she has been serving as a Transitional Coach. Beginning January 15 she will begin serving as the Transition Ministry Director for the Rocky Mountain Synod and the Grand Canyon Synod in a collaborative ministry. This is a one-half time position.

Prior to following God’s call into ministry, Janice was employed as a Neuroscientist performing rehabilitation related neuroscience research. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physical Therapy and a PhD in Neuroscience. Currently, Deacon Janice lives in Prescott, Arizona with her husband who recently retired from ministry.

Deacon Janice is passionate about helping people see and experience God’s great love for all of us and then responding by sharing that great love with others. That means not being satisfied with status quo, but to keep learning and growing, stepping out in faith following God’s lead into the possibilities and vision God has for God’s church.

Deacon Janice is excited to be part of the ongoing ministry partnership between the Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain Synods.

RMS & ELCA news and events

We raised over $1 million in Phase 1!

Help us kick off Phase 2 on January 1 to raise our final $550,000

Having already raised over $1 million to fund the First Step of our campaign, let's journey together into the future and top our Next Faithful Step Campaign goal of $1.57 million through gifts from congregations, foundations, endowments, and individuals!

In order to boldly and effectively continue our vital witness to the gospel as we journey together into the future, the Rocky Mountain Synod Council is investing in four ministry initiatives that form our Next Faithful Step, along with our Racial Justice Tithe.

Our first two initiatives focus on our commitment to vital healthy leadership through Excellence in Leadership and our 3E Lilly Grant match, as we equip and accompany rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregations through education and support. The second two initiatives invite us to invest more deeply in two key synod properties: Messiah Mountain Retreat Center and The Lutheran Center. Supporting and developing these important assets will allow us to expand our ministry of hospitality, faith formation, and spirituality.

Watch a video about each initiative

ACTION GUIDE

Information about the campaign and a summary of resources available to you for inviting campaign gifts in your congregation or organization.

TRIFOLD BROCHURE

Summary of the four initiatives and the Racial Justice tithe:

Excellence in Leadership
Messiah Mountain Retreat Center
3E Lilly Grant
Lutheran Center

MEDIA MATERIALS

JPG's for newsletters and bulletins, as well as PPT slides for screens are available online.

Campaign Information & Resources

Messiah Mountain Retreat Center:

Lodge ceiling demolition kicks off renovations made possible through Campaign gifts

Because of generous gifts given to our Next Faithful Step Campaign we are able to begin renovations to the Messiah Mountain Retreat Center lodge in the new year! The first project is to remove old ceiling tiles from the kitchen and to demolish the drop ceiling in the fireplace gathering area. Demo Day will be Saturday January 22, 2022, at 9 a.m.

We invite your volunteer help to accomplish this project! We will next be installing a more attractive ceiling in the gathering area, painting cupboards in the kitchen, painting walls, installing a new floor, and more. Share skills you have on the form as well. Map the location.

Messiah Mountain Retreat Center is a gift given from Messiah Community Church, ELCA. The retreat center is in Indian Hills, CO, just west of metro Denver. Learn more about Messiah Mountain.

If you would enjoy some light duty demolition please click the button. Questions? Please contact Pastor Kent Mueller.

Messiah Mountain Retreat Center Campaign Video

Make synod assembly airline reservations now

Assembly is April 28-30, 2022, in El Paso, Texas

vaccines required to attend

Begin planning now for the 2022 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly which will take place in El Paso, TX. Southwest has released tickets for April, so we encourage you to make reservations as soon as possible.

Begins Thursday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m.

Concludes Saturday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m.

The assembly will feature all-day immersion experiences on Friday, April 29. Those who will be traveling into Mexico must have a valid passport. Check your passport expiration date, and start that process ASAP if you need an update.

Registration cost per person for voting members will be $300 which covers meals/breaks and all program costs. Hotel in El Paso is $129 per night. Questions? Contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo.

Book Assembly Hotel Rooms at Group Rate

Veteran Servant Corps Project

Calendar of Events

January 9, 2022 from 9:15-10:10 a.m. – Augustana Lutheran in Denver. Vicky Daub will lead conversation at Adult Forum.

February 6, 2022 – Vicky Daub will be at Christ the King in Colorado Springs.

April 22-24, 2022 – VSCP first Veterans Couples retreat at Rainbow Trail Lutheran camp. This retreat is free for any/all Veteran couples. Interested in participating? Contact Vicky Daub.

Share the new Veterans Servant Corps Project brochure! Get it here.

Have Veterans events at your church/community that you would like to publicize; want Vicky or another VSCP board member to visit your church/community? Contact Vicky Daub.

Visit the VSCP web page

for your bulletin

First Sunday of Christmas

December 26, 2021

Prayer of the Day

Shine into our hearts the light of your wisdom, O God, and open our minds to the knowledge of your word, that in all things we may think and act according to your good will and may live continually in the light of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

In God's Hands:

Ecumenical Prayer Cycle from the World Council of Churches

26 December 2021 - 01 January 2022 : Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan

Intercessions and Prayers

Join us in daily prayer

Download ELCA Prayer Ventures for daily guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world.

ELCA Prayer Ventures

RMS Prayer Cycle

UTAH CONFERENCE

Week of December 26

Trinity Lutheran Church

Evanston, WY

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

Salt Lake City,UT

Rev. Chris Berry

METRO WEST CONFERENCE

Week of January 2

Advent Lutheran Church

Westminster, CO

Rev. Barb Martens

All Saints Lutheran Church

Austin, CO

Rev. Paul Rosin

American Lutheran Church

Grand Junction, CO

Rev. Valerie Carlson

Episcopal Church in Garfield County

Glenwood Springs, CO

Rev. Kimberlee Law

ORDINATIONS

Cindy Robles

(updated location and time)

Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church

Centennial, CO

Saturday, January 15, 2022

2:00 p.m.

Cindy is called to serve as pastor of Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran in Burton, TX

Color of the day is Red

INSTALLATION

Pr. Joe Natwick

Bethel Lutheran Church

Windsor, CO

Sunday, January 23, 2022

2:00 p.m.

Monthly Prayer Cycle

around the synod

Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp Hiring Summer Staff

Sky Ranch is hiring energetic, responsible, faith centered young adults to mentor youth of all ages! Spend a summer in the beautiful Rocky Mountains experiencing God's creation while Facilitating an Encounter with Christ. Staff should love working with kids, be open to guiding faith conversations, willingness to share and learn new skills to take with you down the mountains. Summer salary starts at $3,000 and includes two weeks of training, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, and room and board. Sky Ranch is hiring for a variety of roles this summer, check out our website for more information. We look forward to seeing you up the mountain this summer!

Go to Sky Ranch website for more info

our life together

Support Tornado Disaster Response

On the night of Dec. 10, a devastating outbreak of more than 30 tornadoes swept through six states. Kentucky was impacted the most, with more than 70 people reported dead. Homes and businesses were destroyed, including a candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., where first responders are still searching for survivors. The full extent of the damage is expected to become clear in the coming days.

John Pyron, national director of Lutheran Disaster Response and Indiana-Kentucky Synod Bishop Bill Gafkjen have been working together over the days since the disaster to assess and to respond to immediate needs of victims. Given the initial damage assessments, recovery will likely take years.

Bishop Bill Gafkjen and other IN-KY Synod staff have also been in touch with pastors and deans in the affected areas of Kentucky to ascertain how communities, congregations, and individuals have been impacted.

Below are two ways to donate. On the left, donations will be targeted to damage in Kentucky through the IN-KY Synod Disaster Response fund. On the right, donations to Lutheran Disaster Response will support all states impacted by the tornadoes.

IN-KY Disaster Response

Your gifts to the "IN-KY Synod Disaster Fund" will specifically support our individuals, congregations and communities in Kentucky affected by the tornadoes.

Click on the button below, then choose IN-KY Disaster Response in the drop-down box underneath Mission Support.

Give to IN-KY Disaster Response today

Lutheran Disaster Response

Your gifts to "U.S. Tornadoes" will be used in full (100%) to support survivors across the multiple states impacted by the tornado outbreak on December 10-11, 2021. Together, we can support those who are on the long road to recovery. Please give today.

Give to Lutheran Disaster Response today