[peace] FW: RMS: e-Connection week of March 27
STEVE_HELMREICH at ecunet.org
STEVE_HELMREICH at ecunet.org
Tue Mar 29 15:56:28 MST 2005
Below is the weekly newsletter from the Rocky Mountain Synod. Please let me know if you would be interested in having me post this regularly to the Peace Mailing List or if its TMI (Too Much Information). (Send mail to me privately at Helmreich at zianet.com) I'll keep the "polls" open for a week.
Steve Helmreich
>Rocky Mountain Synod e-Connection
> week of March 27, 2005
> Previous issues are archived at
> <http://www.rmselca.org/econnection.htm>
> http://www.rmselca.org/econnection.htm. You may subscribe or unsubscribe
> to this weekly email at that site.
>
> PRAYER FOR EASTER
> Living God, long ago, faithful women proclaimed the good news of Jesus'
> resurrection, and the world was changed forever. Teach us to keep faith
> with them, that our witness may be as bold, our love as deep, and our
> faith as true. Amen.
>
>
> SYNOD PRAYER CYCLE: BOULDER/BROOMFIELD CONFERENCE
> During the month of March we give thanks for the ministry of our
> congregations and rostered leaders in the BOULDER/BROOMFIELD Conference
> in Colorado. You are encouraged to include the congregations and leaders
> in your Sunday prayers of the people. A listing as a Word document for
> the next two months is available at
> <http://www.rmselca.org/prayercyclemarapr.doc>
> www.rmselca.org/prayercyclemarapr.doc .
>
>
> to remember in prayer at worship on 4/3
>
> 4/3
>
> Atonement Boulder, CO
>
> Debra Engquist
>
> Bethlehem Longmont, CO
>
> Matthew Bolz-Weber
>
> Christ the Servant Louisville, CO
>
> Daniel Hoeger Steve Cox
>
>
> and for leaders retired or on leave ...
>
> Charles Berdahl, Luther Bergeland, Bruce Bergquist, Dwight Boe
>
> SYNOD ANNOUNCEMENTS
> new announcements this week are posted in purple (if you have "html
> email" enabled)
>
> WESTERN STATES YOUTH GATHERING IS JULY 6-10
> It's not too late to get "Down to Earth" in Seattle WA this summer !
> Registration is still open for the 2005 Western States Youth Gathering
> July 6-10. The Gathering will feature guest speakers: Susan Briehl,
> Mary Emily-Wells, Kelly Chatman, Grace Wolf-Chase and David Scherer of
> Agape, with music by Agape, Rachel Kurtz, the Spirit Garage Band and of
> course the Western States Servant Band. Youth will have the
> opportunity to "Dig In" and spend a day of learning, "Get Dirty" as they
> head out into the city and surrounding neighborhoods for a day of
> service, and of course "Dive In" as time is spent exploring the Pacific
> Northwest or city of Seattle.
> For more information or to find out more details about this Gathering
> please check out the website at <http://www.wsyg.com> www.wsyg.com or
> contact registrar Ingelaurie Lisher at 253-740-1439 (
> <mailto:registration at wsyg.com> registration at wsyg.com) .
>
> Katherine Cruson, the RMS secretary, shares this suggestion about
> congregational record keeping and archiving:
>
> #6. WHAT DO YOU DO THE DAY AFTER A DISASTER (fire, tornado, etc.)?
>
> Instead of bemoaning all that is lost, rejoice in all that is saved!
>
> Does your congregation have an emergency preparedness plan? Look at
> <http://www.elca.org/dcs/disasterresponse/beingprepared>
> www.elca.org/dcs/disasterresponse/beingprepared for complete
> information. Include the following ideas:
>
> 1. Review insurance policies annually. Keep duplicate copies of
> important church documents off site with photographs and vital records.
>
> 2. Duplicate and disperse important papers: blueprints, insurance
> policies, constitution, the Parish Register book.
>
> 3. Plan where you could take water-damaged materials. Freezing papers,
> so that they may slowly dry later, will preserve them.
>
> 4. Are collections insured? Is there a complete and accurate inventory?
> Photographs? Is a duplicate of the inventory located at another site?
>
> Also, look at Northeast Document Conservation Center's Emergency
> Management's leaflet "Disaster Planning." <http://www.nedcc.org/>
> www.nedcc.org
>
>
>
> DEADLINE IS MARCH 30 FOR FALL MEXICO CITY TRIP
>
> A Rocky Mountain Synod trip to the Lutheran Center in Mexico City is
> scheduled for Sept. 21-29, 2005. (Wed thru following Thurs). The
> registration deadline is March 30, 2005. Cost for the trip is $525 plus
> airfare to Mexico City. The Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA is home to
> many immigrants from Mexico. With the Latino community being the fastest
> growing minority group in the USA, ELCA congregations will be challenged
> more than ever to find effective ways of serving their Spanish-speaking
> neighbors. This 2005 trip to the Lutheran Center in Mexico City will
> increase our understanding of our neighbors to the south, opening our
> eyes to the cultural, economic, and political realities of Mexico.
> Contact Madelyn Busse with questions at <mailto:mbusse at rmselca.org>
> mbusse at rmselca.org. Registration information is at
> http://www.rmselca.org/trips.htm .
>
>
> ARE MINISTRIES SEEKING MISSION PARTNERS?
> The Mission Partner Committee will be printing a brochure for the 2005
> Synod Assembly and wants to know if there are ministries looking for
> mission partners. Contact Pr. Jim Hytjan 800-525-0462 or 303-777-6700
> or <mailto:james_hytjan at rmselca.org> james_hytjan at rmselca.org for more
> information.
>
> LEARN ABOUT DENVER HISPANIC MINISTRIES AT MARCH 31 BREAKFAST
> Clergy, leaders, and members of your congregation are invited to learn
> about exciting new Hispanic ministries in Denver and how you can be
> partner in ministry and outreach. The event takes place on Thursday,
> March 31, at 501 Raleigh Street (Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey and
> American Lutheran Memorial Church). Mexican breakfast will be served
> with Mariachi music, and those who attend will have the chance to win a
> new Palm Zire 72 handheld organizer (with 1.2 megapixel camera and voice
> recorder!). Pastor Jim Hytjan, assistant to the Bishop, will be present,
> along with Armando Rangel (Lay Pastor of Cristo Rey) to share a new
> vision for outreach. Please register by March 26 by calling William
> Obando at 720-296-0012 or leave a message at 303-934-6948. Special
> thanks to Thrivent for providing funding for this event.
>
> 2005 ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUMMIT ON MOBILIZING VOLUNTEERS
> Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the Denver Doubletree Hotel (I-70 and Quebec)
> Marlene Wilson, an internationally recognized authority in the field of
> volunteer management, and Margaret Hinchey, Minister of Music at Our
> Father Lutheran Church in Centennial, Colorado, will be the featured
> presenters. Watch for more detailed information and registration details
> which will be sent to each Lutheran congregation in the next few weeks.
> For more information, contact Paul Gilbertson at 303-568-0743 or
> <mailto:Paul.R.Gilbertson at Thrivent.com> Paul.R.Gilbertson at Thrivent.com
> or Janet Flesch at 303-282-8814 or <mailto:jkflesch at aol.com>
> jkflesch at aol.com.
>
> BORDER IMMERSION TRIP AT THE CRISTO REY CENTER
> The RMS Hunger Network invites you to a border immersion trip at the
> Cristo Rey Center in El Paso, Texas, from Saturday, October 8 to October
> 14, 2005. Immerse yourself in border issues, experience Mexican and
> Mexican/American culture and worship, and learn about social justice
> ministries on both sides of the border. Cost will be about $300, not
> including transportation. Final costs will depend on the number
> attending. A $225 registration fee paid by June 1 will reserve your
> space. However space is limited, so please respond as soon as possible.
> For more information, please contact Karen Hart, 719-275-8418 or
> <mailto:tkhart2 at msn.com> tkhart2 at msn.com
>
> CONGREGATION/COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
>
> RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP SEEKS NURSE FOR SUMMER SEASON
> Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp is still looking for a nurse for this coming
> summer. Needs to be an R.N. Twelve week commitment from May 30- August
> 21, 2005. Salary is $4,300 plus room and board. If you love working
> with kids and would love to spend a summer in the mountains, please
> contact Dave Jarvis at <mailto:dave at rainbowtrail.org>
> dave at rainbowtrail.org or call 719-276-5233 for more details.
>
> CHOICES FOR LIVING AND DYING: PANEL DISCUSSION IS APRIL 16 AT REGIS
> UNIVERSITY
> Once again, "death with dignity," the "sanctity of life," and the "right
> to die" are back in the news-and likely to touch your life and loved
> ones too, sooner or later. CHOICES FOR LIVING AND DYING, a free panel
> discussion sponsored by the Metro Denver End-of-Life Coalition, will
> confront the issues and questions behind the headlines. Commentary by a
> panel of experts-representatives from Not Dead Yet (an advocacy group
> for the disabled) and End-of-Life Choices (formerly the Hemlock
> Society); a palliative care/hospice physician; a healthcare ethics and
> legal expert; and a chaplain serving patients facing life-limiting
> illness and disability-will be followed by questions from the audience.
> Representatives of various faith traditions will also be present.
> The event is Saturday, April 16 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Regis
> University Adult Learning Center Ampitheatre; Just off Lowell, north of
> Regis Boulevard (West 50th Ave.). I-70 to Federal, north to Regis Blvd,
> West to Lowell, North to Adult Learning Center Entrance (follow signs).
> Ample parking; handicapped accessible.
> For more information, contact Coalition Chair Jennifer Ballentine (
> <mailto:jennifer at gallup-house.com> jennifer at gallup-house.com;
> 303-756-5222)
>
> 16TH ANNUAL SALUTE TO SENIORS, MAY 4, 8:30 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
> The Colorado Convention Center in Denver will host this event with
> educational programs, displays, entertainment, and more. Ticket prices
> are $7 for the first ticket and $3.50 for the second. Group tickets
> available for 10 or more at $5 each. Sponsored by the Colorado
> Gerontological Society in Denver. Call 303-333-3482 for information.
>
> DENVER CENTER THEATRE COMPANY INVITAITON TO "HOBBIT-A-THON"
> The DCTA, with whom we have special arrangements for "Theatre and
> Theology," invites families to a special presentation of selected
> readings from J.R.R. Tolkein's "The Hobbit" on April 10 at 1 p.m. at the
> Stage Theatre of the DCPA. Tickets: $12 with scholarships available by
> request (name your price).
>
> SOCIETY OF THE HOLY TRINITY RETREAT IS APRIL 11 & 12 IN COLORADO SPRINGS
> All ELCA pastors, interns and seminarians are invited to a 24 hr.
> retreat offered by the Sangre de Cristo Chapter of the Society of the
> Holy Trinity, Monday April 11th-Tuesday, April 12th (1 p.m.-1 p.m.) The
> retreat will be at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs.
> The retreat centers on sung daily prayer offices, mutual conversation
> and consolation and opportunity for private confession and forgiveness.
> Teaching theologian will be the Rev. Dr. Frank C. Senn, Senior of the
> Society, and pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Evanston, Illinois.
> Senn's topic will be "The Impact of Pentecostal Praise and Orthodox
> Doxology". Former associate professor of liturgics at LSTC, Senn is
> best known for his landmark work, Christian Liturgy: Catholic and
> Evangelical. The Society of the Holy Trinity is an association of more
> than 200 Lutheran clergy committed to prayer, the great tradition in
> liturgy, the Lutheran confessions, and supporting one another in the
> fulfillment of our vows of ordination. All Lutheran clergy are invited
> to chapter retreats. Seminarians and interns may attend this retreat at
> no cost. The cost to clergy is $60 and includes private room and meals.
> Contact Pr. David Wendel, STS at 719-598-4397, or
> <mailto:pr-wendel at saintlukes-cs.org> pr-wendel at saintlukes-cs.org to
> register or for more info.
>
> EXODUS OR EXILE: PREACHING AND BIBLICAL TEACHING IN THE WESTERN US
> Open to all Christian leaders engaged in a ministry of teaching or
> preaching, Exodus or Exile: Preaching and Biblical Teaching in the
> Western US will offer instruction, lecture, worship and collegial
> dialogue in a three day conference April 25-28, 2005 in Salt Lake City,
> Utah. Participants will explore the work of the preacher/teacher, the
> various contexts in which teaching and preaching occur, and the personal
> dimensions of being an effective teacher or preacher. Staff at Wasatch
> Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake City. "Whether native or a transplant
> from another region, clergy and lay leaders of all Christian
> denominations are called to provide meaningful preaching and teaching in
> this unique context. Exodus or Exile expresses the struggle of being a
> preacher in the Western US." This conference is being held at the Red
> Lion Hotel Downtown Salt Lake. The event is led by a volunteer
> ecumenical committee and the seed money has been provided through a
> grant from the Presbyterian Church USA General Assembly. More info at
> <http://www.exodusorexile.com/> http://www.exodusorexile.com/ .
>
> METRO DENVER LUTHERAN SERVANT EVENT IS MAY 7
> Hundreds of Lutherans will come together on Saturday, May 7 between 8
> a.m. and 2 p.m. to volunteer their time and talents at service projects
> in the Denver area, making a visible, tangible difference in many lives
> in our community. Mark the date, and begin planning for this meaningful
> event.
>
> INVITATION TO WAYNE WEISSENBUEHLER'S RETIREMENT RECEPTION
> Please join friends and family at Bethany Lutheran Church on Sunday,
> April 3, 2005 from noon - 2:00 p.m. for a good-bye reception for Pastor
> Wayne Weissenbuehler. The church is located at 4500 E. Hampden Ave.
> Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113. This will be Pastor Wayne's last Sunday
> preaching at Bethany. For more information, please contact Janice Lyon
> at 303-758-2820.
>
>
> CONFIRMATION WORKSHOP COMING TO AURORA
> Holy Love Lutheran Church, Aurora, is partnering with Faith Inkubators
> for a day-long training event on the Head to Heart confirmation system.
> This training event will explore the theology, philosophy, techniques,
> structure and resources supporting this parent-involved, arts-based
> large group/small group model. Holy Love currently uses the Head to
> Heart confirmation system, and has been recognized by Faith Inkubators
> on a national level as a church that is using it well. The training
> event is April 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information,
> contact Julie Luttinen 303-693-1162.
>
> SINGING A NEW SONG: KAREN ARMSTRONG AND MARTY HAUGEN
> Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church, Dillon, will welcome Karen
> Armstrong, author, and Marty Haugen, composer, April 22-24, 2005.
> Information is at <http://www.lordofthemountains.org/>
> www.lordofthemountains.org. The conference is an on-going conversation
> of the New Reformation.
>
> RESOURCES
> "KERYGMA" RESOURCE EVENT IN ALBUQUERQUE, APRIL 23
> Kerygma Studies ensure enthusiastic classes where the Bible is relevant,
> and that provides an environment for encouraging life changes and a
> building up of congregational unity. Saturday, April 23, 2005, from 10
> am - 3 pm is an opportunity to take a look at all of the Kerygma
> resources. The event takes place at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301
> Ponderosa NE, Albuquerque NM 87110. Cost is $25 per person/ $100
> maximum per church and includes lunch and workshop materials. You will
> receive a discount on all Kerygma Resources. Come and learn how to start
> a Kerygma Bible Study in your congregation, how to reduce leader
> anxiety, how to build leadership skills, and practice different ways to
> experience scripture. Register Online:
> http://www.kerygma.com/Workshops/Registeronline.htm or call
> 1-800-KERYGMA (537-9462). Email: explore at kerygma.com .
>
> ALBAN INSTITUTE PUBLISHES RICK BARGER'S BOOK
> One of the Rocky Mountain Synod's own pastors, Rick Barger, Lead Pastor
> at Abiding Hope Lutheran has just had his first book published. It is
> called A New and Right Spirit: Creating an Authentic Church in a
> Consumer Culture. It has been published by The Alban Institute and is
> available at <http://www.alban.org/> www.alban.org.
>
> THE PARISH RESOURCE CENTER OF COLORADO
> The Parish Resource Center strengthens local churches. At the Parish
> Resource Center church leaders are encouraged, inspired, trained and
> equipped for the tasks they undertake in the congregation. The Parish
> Resource Center provides trained consultants, opportunities to learn
> from others, a comprehensive lending library, and a hospitable
> environment where you can preview resources, hold planning meetings,
> work on banners, study and meet with colleagues.The Parish Resource
> Center serves congregations of all sizes and faith traditions who
> subscribe to its services. Services are provided to all their members
> and staff during the subscription period. Members of non-subscribing
> congregations may participate in events and workshops for the stated
> fee. A congregation subscribes by paying an annual subscription fee
> based on the size of the congregation's membership. Reduced rates are
> available to congregations located more than 50 miles from the Center.
> Subscriptions can begin any time. To subscribe, contact the Parish
> Resource Center, located in Mountain View Community Church, 10700 East
> Evans Ave., Aurora, CO 80014. Telephone 303-750-3338 or email
> <mailto:prcco at juno.com> prcco at juno.com.
>
>
> CHURCHWIDE ELCA ELCA news releases are at www.elca.org/newsevents.html
>
> SEXUALITY STUDY MARCH 2005 UPDATE
> A "March 2005 e-Update for ELCA Rostered Leaders" on the ELCA studies of
> sexuality is now online at
> <http://www.elca.org/faithfuljourney/e-updates0503.html>
> www.elca.org/faithfuljourney/e-updates0503.html .
>
> ELCA TSUNAMI GIVING HAS TOPPED $7 MILLION
> Kathryn Sime, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal director, reports
> that South Asia Tsunami giving has topped $7 million. Two new resources,
> both drawn from the experience of Rosella M. Kameo, an ELCA missionary
> in Indonesia, help tell the story that our generous giving and
> persistent prayer are "just what is needed." The April 2005 issue of The
> Lutheran features the article, "How can we help? Questions and answers
> about tsunami disaster relief" by Rosella M. Kamero explains why giving
> money through established agencies and organizations and offering
> prayers is better than giving supplies, giving directly, volunteering,
> and other well-intentioned approaches. See it on page 42, or read it
> online at <http://www.thelutheran.org/0504/page42.html>
> http://www.thelutheran.org/0504/page42.html A 3/17/05 ELCA News
> Service release, "Lutheran Learns Prayer, Money Best for Tsuanmi Aid,"
> also drawn on Kamero's words of wisdom. Find it at
> <http://www.elca.org/scriptlib/CO/ELCA_News/encArticleList.asp>
> <http://www.elca.org/scriptlib/CO/ELCA_News/encArticleList.aspThese>
> http://www.elca.org/scriptlib/CO/ELCA_News/encArticleList.asp These
> pieces are worth saving as a reference as a reminder to give those
> things that disaster survivors need and want instead of those things
> that we need and want to give.
>
> "ACT BOLDLY" IS THEME OF WOMEN'S TRIENNIAL GATHERING
> The gathering is July 5-10, 2005 at San Antonia, Texas. Don't miss
> faith-building workshops, servant events, "The Dwelling Place" (exhibit
> hall), and the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the ordination of
> women in the ELCA. Information at <http://www.womenoftheelca.org>
> www.womenoftheelca.org . Jane Elliott, author of Brown Eyes Blue Eyes, A
> Class Divided, and numerous books, articles and exercises on becoming
> anti-racist will be the featured speaker. Leslie Whited Vance, serving
> at Lutheran Social Service of Utah, presents with the national team of
> anti-racism educators on "Tomorrow's Reality: Today!" Consider signing
> up for this transformational affinity group when you register. The Women
> of the ELCA's next 2008 Triennial gathering will be hosted in Salt Lake
> City, Utah! Our presence to learn, connect and support the next
> gathering hosted within the Rocky Mountain Synod is not only
> important, it will be a delightful time had by all!
>
> LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION SUMMER GATHERING
> Give the "rat race" a rest ...and run the race that counts! Lutheran Men
> in Mission, the men's ministry of the ELCA, will gather July 22-24 in
> Charleston, S.C., to help men of all ages get equipped for life and
> ministry, with enlightening workshop leaders, worship and fellowship
> designed to draw them into deeper relationships with God. Register by
> March 15 (online or by mail) for "early bird" rates, and sign up all
> your friends and relatives at <http://www.elca.org/lmm/gatherings.html>
> http://www.elca.org/lmm/gatherings.html or contact Robert Lopeman @
> 303-344-3970 or <mailto:Rlopeman at msn.com> Rlopeman at msn.com . We are
> working on a group rate airfare from Denver please call Robert for
> information.
>
> IMAGES OF MINISTRY FOR CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY
> The ELCA worship staff invites all ELCA congregations to submit one or
> two digital photographs that depict a variety of ministries in their
> unique community. Pictures received may be used in a montage before the
> opening liturgy at the Churchwide Assembly this August, visually showing
> the entire church coming together in Orlando. Images may be of a church
> building, the community, members serving others, worshiping, making
> music, teaching or learning. The possibilities are nearly endless. Since
> these images will be projected in a very large room, close-ups of
> individuals or small groups are preferable to large groups or far-away
> shots. To be usable, all pictures must be landscape (that is, wider than
> taller), should have a minimum resolution of 72 dpi and 800x600 pixels.
> E-mail no more than two photographs per congregation to
> <mailto:worship at elca.org> worship at elca.org before the end of May. Thank
> you for participating!
>
>
> _____
>
> MESSAGE REGARDING e-CONNECTION SUBSCRIPTIONS
>
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>
> _____
>
>
> RMS e-Connection is the weekly electronic newsletter of the Rocky
> Mountain Synod of the ELCA. All announcements for this newsletter should
> be sent to communications at rmselca.org
>
> e-Connection is on the web, including past issues. Go to www.rmselca.or
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