Ministry & Mission 2016

Transcription

1 Ministry & Mission 2016

2 We are Church. Better Together. Share the passion! Share these stories! The foundation of mission and ministry takes place in our local congregations, but as the Church, we are involved in outreach and service in a variety of ways in the ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod and around the world. When you give to your congregation, a percentage of those offerings are shared with the Rocky Mountain Synod and with the ELCA churchwide organization. The portion of your offering that is shared with the wider church is called Mission Support. This packet includes snapshots and stories from our mission, service, outreach, global, and shared ministries made possible through Mission Support and other generous gifts. Below are listed some ideas on how you can use these pages in your congregation! Post all of these pages on a wall in your fellowship hall or narthex to draw attention to all of the ways that we are church beyond the walls of the congregation. Highlight each page in a 30-second Mission Moment on Sunday mornings. Pray for these missions and ministries in the Sunday prayers. Include a mission focus in your Sunday bulletin or monthly newsletter. Link to these pages electronically, posted online at Create an enjoyable scavenger hunt intergenerational activity by posting these pages all over your church or meeting location and have participants seek answers to various questions. Examples: What are the names of the two Lutheran Camps in the RMS? What two states in the RMS have a Lutheran Advocacy Ministry? Where is Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center located? Who are the two RMS seminary students who are recipients of scholarships from the Fund for Leaders in Mission? Two years ago, Pastor Alena Lamirato had the idea to post pages from the annual Mission & Ministry magazine on a wall in the church building. This is a photo of the 2014 pages displayed at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Wyoming.

3 For over 30 years, Lutherans in Colorado have been active in advocating for public policy justice. Whether it s writing offerings of letters, joining together to learn at Faith Advocacy Day, or rallying on the steps of the state Capitol building, we are present to make sure the voices of people of faith are heard at the right place and time. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado A bold Lutheran witness for public policy justice Your generosity makes our advocacy possible! Mission support from Rocky Mountain Synod congregations and your gifts to ELCA World Hunger are what make our advocacy work possible. It enables us to meet with legislators, to visit congregations across the state, and to partner with broad-based coalitions around finding long-term solutions to hunger, poverty, and other social injustices that affect marginalized communities. Rooted in Christ, Rooted in the Lutheran witness, Rooted in the Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA Peter Severson, Director 7375 Samuel Dr., Denver, CO

4 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry New Mexico In early February, the annual Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM Bishop s Legislative Luncheon and Issues Briefing gathered advocates from ELCA congregations from throughout our state in Santa Fe. In the morning, over 100 Lutherans and our ecumenical partners learned about issues facing the legislature that related to the LAM-NM Advocacy Agenda. The luncheon was attended by nearly 140 advocates. Bp. Gonia spoke during the Issues Briefing and at the Luncheon. He inspired the advocates when he said that what makes all the difference in this ministry of advocacy to which we are called as people of faith, is love. It is and must be the foundation and framework for how we participate in God s work of renewal. Gathering Bp. Gonia inspires advocates Pr. Nicolé Ferry leads the opening devotion Pr. Jared Carson at the Capitol State Sen. Sander Rue receives one of the LAM-NM Legislator of the Year awards. Director, Ruth Hoffman leads an issues update Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM is a ministry of the Rocky Mountain Synod in partnership with ELCA World Hunger. We represent the church in advocating at the state government level with and on behalf of those with little or no economic or political power. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM speaks on behalf of the official positions of the ELCA as applied to the specific context of public policy issues in New Mexico. LAM-NM works in an advocacy partnership with the NM Conference of Churches and the Presbytery of Santa Fe. Join our Advocacy Network by going to our website: lutheranadvocacynm.org Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico 1701 Arroyo Chamiso Santa Fe, NM Phone info@lutheranadvocacynm.org

5 ! AURORA AREA MINISTRY STRATEGY FOCUS: SOCIAL JUSTICE-HUNGER-POVERTY The Aurora Area Ministry Strategy, begun in December, 2015, is one way we seek to be Church better together! This strategy weaves the area congregations, mission starts, ethnic specific ministries together with community nonprofit agencies, education, advocacy and justice work of overcoming poverty, homelessness and hunger for collective community action. The three main emphases of the AAMS are: Area ministry strategies call ministries into partnership to have a collective impact on a specific area and in so doing re-rot ministries and people in their communities AMS rejuvenates the faith of the people who participate in them in ways that enhance their awareness of God s work and their vocation to join in that work AMS renew the ministry of partner congregations to make the congregations more vibrant and effective in carrying out God s work. For additional information about the Aurora Area Ministry Strategy contact Cindy Robles, DM crobles05@hotmail.com

6 Border Conference Youth Better Together! We are the church: better together! The Border Conference, which includes Southern NM and El Paso with 12 congregations, has been embodying church together, especially in youth ministry. In 2015, the Conference worked together to send 14 youth and 3 adults, from 5 congregations, to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit. The youth raised over $20,000 together, and by the generosity of the Conference, the whole group attended cost-free. In Nov. 2015, 20 youth and 7 adult leaders participated in a retreat on Spiritual Gifts, including the Missional Gathering in Roswell. In Feb. 2016, over 50 people participated in The Amazing Race Borderlands in Alamogordo. And this summer, 14 youth and 3 adults are participating in a YouthWorks Mission Trip in Cortez, CO. It is good to be the church together!

7 It is a delight to update you about the work of California Lutheran University as we continue to raise global leaders who discover their purpose and transform their community and the world. Indeed, this is the primary way that we serve this church and embody our mission as a university of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. History was made when the Regals Volleyball team swept to a National Division III championship and became the first Cal Lutheran team to win a NCAA title. We celebrate that three of the four finalist teams were universities of the ELCA--Carthage, Wittenberg, and Cal Lutheran. The beautiful Student Union opened this fall and is a gathering place for students, faculty and staff alike. The Union is home to a new Veterans Resource Center. Following Commencement in May, we will break ground on the Rolland Art Center that will house the Art and Multimedia departments. We have celebrated rapid growth in the diversity of our undergraduate, professional, and graduate student bodies that increasingly reflects the socioeconomic and ethnic diversity of southern California. The U.S. Department of Education has recently designated Cal Lutheran as an Eligible Institution under Title III and Title V programs, thus meeting the federal definition of a Hispanic Serving Institution. The designation offers a pathway to significant grant funding and positions the university to support Hispanic students in vibrant ways. To strategically connect the work of Campus Ministry, Congregational Relations, Seminary Relations, Theology and Christian Leadership, and the university s interfaith effort, the new Division of Mission and Identity has been created. Together we seek to tell the Cal Lutheran story to an ever-widening audience and steward conversations about the university s mission, identity, and values in this time and place. Founders Day included the announcement of the Carlson Endowed Chair in Youth and Family Ministry, a generous gift that makes permanent the commitment to offer academic coursework in Children, Youth and Family Ministry. A new initiative fueled by the chair is The Vine: Cultivating Leadership in Youth Ministry, three sessions of professional development for students and church leaders in asset-based community development, relational ministry, and social media as a tool for ministry. Cal Lutheran will be the summer 2017 site of the Western States Youth Gathering, welcoming high school students and adults from Regions One, Two, Three, and Four. Plan now to bring students from your congregations. The university continues to provide the Executive Skills for Pastors: Learning from the world of the MBA at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, and Cal Lutheran. Short learning videos for congregations on a variety of timely topics are now available linking the resources of the university to the needs of congregations. You can learn about all these things and more by visiting the Cal Lutheran and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary tables or by visiting us online at and We are your Lutheran university in the west. Your commitment to and involvement in the university makes all the difference as we seek to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Rev. Melissa Maxwell-Doherty Vice President, Mission and Identity Mission and Identity 60 West Olsen Road #7700 Thousand Oaks, CA CalLutheran.edu Office (805)

8 LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY Campus Ministries are living witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ, conduc ng ministries with students, staff and faculty in ins tu ons of higher educa on. Lutheran Campus Ministries in the RMS join Many Voices + One Song through shared ministry, like this retreat at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp. Students from UC in Boulder, CSU in Ft. Collins, and UNC in Greeley experienced together Christian fellowship in the midst of God s creation. Students and the Pastoral Intern from Lutheran University Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church is Laramie, WY staff an information table. Campus ministries allow students to express themselves uniquely joining Many Voices + One Song. "LECM is a place I can go to relax mentally from my week and prepare for the next week with other students who are looking for community." - Josh Schairer, UNC graduate student and Director of Worship "To me, campus ministry is a place that I know I can come and just be myself to enjoy time with some really great people that share a common interest with me: belief in Jesus Christ." -Emily Mohlis, UNC freshman Students from UNC welcomed Bishop Gonia to a gathering. UNC is a Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry site and it expresses the ecumnenical commitment of joining Many Voices + One Song. Many Voices + One Song Rocky Mountain Synod Lutheran Campus Ministry Sites: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY Utah State University, Logan, UT University of New Mexico and CNM, Albuquerque, NM New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM h p://

9 ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD COMMUNICATION Since we are better together as 163 Rocky Mountain Synod congregations and additional related ministries, stay informed and build connectivity through our communication and media channels! NEW WEBSITE! Visit WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: econnection You will be added to the mailing list as a voting member or visitor to the assembly. Sign up other congregation members at the bottom of each page at TWITTER We have a twitter account, but quite honestly, don t use it as much as we should: LIVING LUTHERAN MAGAZINE RMS INSERT The new name of the Lutheran magazine is Living Lutheran. Each quarter look for the four-page center pages featuring RMS news and stories. FACEBOOK See photos and read about our congregations and ministries. Like us at THE LANDSCAPE REPRODUCIBLE PAGE It s designed to print and include in your bulletin or newsletter. A hard copy is sent to every church office about six times a year, but you can also download it

10 Formation of vision - Eight rooms built for Tuberculosis patients (and a total of 22 rooms by 1910) Began construction of Elim Hospital (only hospital between Denver and Sterling) Transitioned from Hospital to Long Term Care and Assisted Living Present- Formation of a vision - New Assisted Living Apartments with Secure Assisted Care (the first of it s kind in the area) Located in Brush, CO

11 EVANGELICAL MISSION of THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD Your mission support is helping to Make Christ Known in these and other places: The New Beginnings Worshipping Community at the Denver Women s Correctional Facility is a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community in the Rocky Mountain Synod. The photos are of Easter morning worship. I. Congregations in Redevelopment: Mt. Hope, El Paso, TX (see report) St. Matthew s, Taylorsville, UT (see report) Our Saviors, Denver, CO (in process; to begin formally in 2017) II. Ethnic Specific Ministries: Cristo Rey, El Paso, TX (see report) HKBP (Indonesian/ Batak) Denver/ Aurora, CO ALMC Cristo Rey, Denver, CO (undergoing leadership transition) III. Synodically Authorized Worshiping Communities: Iglesia Luterana Jesus de Nazaret, Aurora, CO (see report) New Beginnings Worshipping Community (Prison Ministry), Aurora, CO (see report) Spirit of the Mountain, Golden, CO IV. Congregations Under Development: Mustard Seed House Churches, Fort Collins, Greely, CO (transitioned to a Congregation under Development from a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community in 2015) (see report) Camino de Vida ELCA/ PCUSA shared Congregation Under Development, Albuquerque, NM Well of Hope, Castle Pines, CO (undergoing leadership and location transitions) V. Aurora Area Ministry Strategy (see report)

12 EVANGELICAL MISSION of THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD AREA MINISTRY STRATEGY Aurora Area Ministry Strategy Aurora Area Ministry Strategy 2015 Established the Aurora Area Ministry Strategy in December Coordinator connected with Aurora ELCA churches and local Non-profit Agencies, City of Aurora and Aurora Public Schools. Engaged in listening to God, each other and the community. Three main foci: Area ministry strategies call ministries into partnership to have a collective impact on a specific area and in so doing re-root ministries and people in their communities. AMS rejuvenate the faith of the people who participate in them in ways that enhance their awareness of God s work and their vocation to join in that work. AMS renew the ministry of partner congregations to make the congregations more vibrant and effective in carrying out God s work 2016 Specific Goals for Aurora Area Ministry Strategy Establish a guiding coalition for the Aurora Area Ministry Strategy. Create partnerships within the community between local congregations, mission starts such as Iglesia Luterana Jesus de Nazaret and New Beginnings with local non-profit agencies. Discern how local congregations will engage more deeply in the community. Strengthen and deepen ecumenical partnerships. Create a mission statement and SMART goals for the strategy. Intentionally build relationships among the partners in the ministry through scripture study and shared ministry. SYNODICALLY AUTHORIZED WORSHIPPING COMMUNITY at the DENVER WOMEN S CORRECTIONAL FACILITY New Beginnings Worshipping Community, Denver, CO Instituted a bi-lingual worship service once a month, bringing on a native Spanish-speaking priest and guitarist for these services. Increased the card ministry to three distributions per year (over 45,000 cards) enabling the women to send cards to their loved ones outside. Cards are donated by area congregations and invididuals. Celebrated a magnificent Easter worship including a brass quartet, a dance offering from women with the help of volunteer choreographers, and Fellowship time in the gym. Celebrated a blessed and powerful Thanksgiving Eve service partnering with an outside congregation who brought pumpkin pie for all. Our Christmas Eve service was the largest service in the history of the prison: almost 300 women attended. We were allowed to have real lit candles. The Word, the communing of lines of solemn women, the guests, the carols, the time of fellowship, were ALL amazing and memorable. We created a Blue Room during Advent for women to pray, color in coloring books, do finger labyrinths, sit in silence, and for some, to simply cry. We were allowed this year to create an Inside Council that mirrors the Outside Council, giving the women a voice in their worship lives. We have a terrific website. Read our stories at We renamed our annual dinner: The Chow Hall Gala. The women inside created the vision of the dinner experience to help attendees of the dinner to better "know" them and their lives in prison. Speakers included the mother of one woman inside, and the warden. This year's dinner will be on October 7th. Please come! The Inside Council hosted a dinner for the Outside Council. Big success. We are recognized now as a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community of the RMS.

13 EVANGELICAL MISSION of THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD REDEVELOPMENT CONGREGATION St. Matthew s, Taylorsville, Utah St. Matthew s in Taylorsville, Utah is undergoing redevelopment so in 2015 we: Installed a new pastor in August to lead us in the redevelopment process Formed a Worship and Music Ministry Team Donated over $885 for World Hunger Marched as followers of Jesus in the Taylorsville Parade as fishers of people Confirmed two youth Crocheted or knitted 20 prayer shawls to be blessed and given away Partnered with St. Stephens Episcopal Church to gather and wrap gifts for the Dream Academy Presented an exhibit on Environmental Sustainability at Taylorsville Daze In 2016 we have: Identified leaders and formed the redevelopment team Participated in the Souper Bowl Challenge and donating $49 for the Panthers, $79 for the Broncos and $75 from our World Hunger Jar for a total of $203! Clothed the homeless with over 50 blankets, socks and gloves donated to the Downtown Rescue Mission in Salt Lake City Exceeded our goals and collected over $300 during the ELCA s 40 Days of Giving and gathered well over 500 food items Met with all groups using the facility to find new ways to steward its care Identified leadership through the Nominating Task Force for council elections Increased Sunday worship attendance by 10% Provided a place of healing, hope and welcome for Christ the King members after its closure Elected three leaders to oversee St. Matthew s Endowment Fund for the next three years Baptized Sherman Montgomery Chinnock into God s family of believers Trained Caring and Eucharistic Ministers Worshiped with our first Easter Vigil Launched our Stewardship Initiative this spring Gathered for our first ever council retreat with the newly elected council members Participated in Taylorsville Interfaith Day of Service and Taylorsville Daze activities Planned and prepared for breaking ground on a labyrinth for the community outreach. Give thanks as we continue to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit the imprisoned as God calls us to be as witnesses to the gospel. For more information, check out our website at: or like us on our Facebook page, St. Matthew s Lutheran Church, Taylorsville, Utah.

14 EVANGELICAL MISSION of THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD MISSION CONGREGATION Iglesia Luterana Jesús de Nazaret, Aurora, CO 2015 We had over 20 kids participate in camp with Rainbow Trail and in our fall break camp. We explored the themes the fruits of the spirit and discipleship. We received our first official members by way of confirmation of three young girls who affirmed their faith in August. We participated with St. Mark s Lutheran in God s work, our hands Sunday and made our own shirts! We celebrated Posada with the traditional song and procession and piñata. We had 30 people participate! We reached out with the help of our mission partners to 40 families in need with Christmas gifts We look forward to Sunday School in the Park in the Summer to bring Christian Education and kids activities to our neighborhood. We will serve our wider community once a month with a hot meal together with St. Mark s Lutheran We began ESL classes to create a program of language exchange so English speakers can learn Spanish too! We will continue to explore ecumenical partnership with St. Stephen s Episcopal Church in Aurora We are planning summer partnership with Aurora Community Connections to bring family health and wellness programming to our neighborhood. ETHNIC MINISTRIES Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, El Paso, TX iglesiacristorey.wix.com/luterana We are committed to love God, above all things, and our neighbors. We strive to offer a beautiful worship, to be hospitable, to meet the needs of the community, and to share of ourselves with all cultures. Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey is a community called to share the Good News and make disciples everywhere. Ministries Bilingual Worship Sunday School / Faith Formation Youth Group After School Program English Classes Border Immersion Program Juarez Ministry (across the border in Mexico) with Missionary Dr. San Juana Mendoza

15 EVANGELICAL MISSION of THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD MISSION CONGREGATION Mustard Seed House Churches, Northern Colorado It s been a great year at Mustard Seed House Churches! In 2015, we: baptized Mya Shae at our Easter Vigil (Mustard Seed s 5th baptism)! raised over $1,500 and collected two 55 gallon drums of food at Hops for Hunger (annual childhood hunger fundraiser)! coordinated 2 different stations for Loveland s Bike to Work Day launched our 4th house church (in Greeley)! witnessed to God s unconditional love by hosting a booth at Pride in Fort Collins collaborated with Lutheran Campus Ministry/CSU for services during Holy Week and Christmas Eve became an ELCA Congregation Under Development (formerly a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community) partnered with congregations throughout Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Estes Park, and Windsor organized 2 different Beer and Hymns events with area congregations! In 2016, we are working on: new faith formation opportunities for the youth and children of Mustard Seed hiring a part-time faith formation staff person to work with our youth and children launching a fifth house church! assuming our own fiscal agent responsibilities developing and identifying new leadership (especially from within our newest house churches) continued partnerships with area congregations and non-profits As we look forward to all that this year will bring, we give thanks for your continued prayers, partnership and support! For more information, visit us online at Like our Facebook page (Mustard Seed House Churches) in order to see videos, pictures, and other important announcements from the Mustard Seed community!

16 EVANGELICAL MISSION of THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD REDEVELOPMENT CONGREGATION Mount Hope Lutheran Church, El Paso, Texas priorities: Increase participation and communication with Preschool Improve finance reporting and management Renew property and physical plant Mount Hope accomplishments in 2015: Restarted a Vocal and Bell Choir Improved the Sound System in the Sanctuary Celebrated a Faith & Family Night every Wed, including a meal, small group time, and worship Began an 11am Service on Sunday Promoted a Stewardship Sunday Began using software to collect giving data Revised and renewed Mission and Vision statements Improved social media and website Began the 8:39 Cafe ministry Celebrated a New Affirmation Class for Adults using Baptized We Live Increased prayer participation using: Help Thanks Wow model Started 30 Hour Famine and Amazing Race Borderland Sent 2 youth to RMS Middle School Gathering Sent 3 youth to National Gathering What is the 8:39 Café? Responding to our context: across the street from a large public school and driven by the promise of Romans 8:39, we created a safe place for youth while encouraging them to make a positive impact locally and globally. The Café provides space for students to gather and relax, enjoy a snack or cup of Fair Trade coffee or organic chocolate, or catch up on homework while waiting for parents/guardians to pick them up after school.

17 Faster Pastors 2016 The Faster Pastors started running together in We form teams of pastors who run in extended relays as we raise awareness for our brothers and sisters who are in need around the world and in our backyard. This year we are excited to have put together two teams of 10 pastors for a total of 20 pastors and rostered leaders. We are running on the Flaming Foliage Relay from Idaho Springs to Buena Vista for a total of 165 miles and three rugged mountain passes on September This weekend is God's Work, Our Hands weekend. We see it as God's Work, Our Feet as we run to raise money and awareness of Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountain and their work with resettling refugees in our area. Refugees are often running for their lives. We pastors are running to help them find a new life here in our area. As the church together let s raise $20,000 to make homes for these families. Donate at

18 The First Third of Life Team Presents. Look for. Kevin Dragseth Ihoby Rakotomalala Krista Kilgus for more information! The First Third of Life Team VISION STATEMENT for First Third of Life Team: A Human Library The purpose of this human library is to talk about the significance of faith formation in the Rocky Mountain Synod. It consists of people representing youth and young adult ministry in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, and El Paso, Texas. On Friday, April 29 during lunch, synod assembly participants can check out whoever they are interested in talking to within a certain context. Books will include topics of: Ecumenical Partnerships, Outdoor Ministries, Urban Youth Ministry, Rural Youth Ministry, Suburban Youth Ministry, Sunday School, Students who participate in Campus Ministry, Faith Formation Network, Vocation, Coaching, Parents and Faith Formation, Voices for Diversity, Rostered Leader, Youth Director new to RMS, Seasoned RMS Youth Director, Practice Discipleship, Campus Ministry, and many more! Rocky Mountain Synod accompanies and equips our leaders and communities in faith formation, a life long journey of growth in our relationship with Jesus Christ. MISSION STATEMENT for First Third of Life Team: Rocky Mountain Synod will provide the vision, leadership, resources, education, and training for Faith Formation leaders in the first third of life. Members of this team are: Andy Sprain, Pastor Sarah Moening, Kevin Dragseth, Julie Schranck, Pastor Margot Wright, Krista Kilgus, Pastor Kaila Hochhalter, Michelle Okes, and Ihoby Rakotomalala.

19 Partners in shaping future leaders Brenda Greenwald and Kathryn Plasek are the latest recipients of the ELCA s Fund for Leaders Scholarship and both are from the Rocky Mountain Synod. Brenda and Kathryn are grateful for the affirmation of their leadership by receiving this scholarship. But they also know that their involvement with the Rocky Mountain Synod has been formative as well. Brenda remembers the courage of former Bishop Allan Bjornberg as he met with congregations struggling to understand the implications of the 2009 ELCA churchwide assembly vote on the social statement on Human Sexuality. She says that provided her a picture of vision and innovative thinking for the future of the church that has been even more solidified with the installation of Bishop Jim Gonia. And Kathryn points to the many people in her congregation at Saint Peter Lutheran Church in Greenwood Village who embraced her and welcomed her to serve as a lector, assisting minister, and play in the brass group. She says, My call towards ordained ministry was a swift one, guided along by the wonderful people at Saint Peter and in the Rocky Mountain Synod in general. But Brenda and Kathryn are not the only ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarship recipients to come from this synod. To date, nine full-tuition scholarship recipients have come from the Rocky Mountain Synod. And another five are serving as leaders in parishes across this synod. Clearly, together we are partners in gathering, sending and supporting influential pioneers for this church. Pictured on October 2, 2015 at the ELCA Fund for Leaders Banquet in Chicago, IL (left to right: Brenda Greenwald, Bishop Jim Gonia, and Kathryn Plasek) And the story of this partnership continues to be written Brenda says, The predicament: how does a school teacher suddenly stop her main source of income, interrupt her retirement funding, and move across the country to follow God s call?! With a hope and a prayer, that s how! And the ELCA Fund for Leaders was the answer to that deep and abiding prayer. Their monetary support goes so much further than the numbers in a bank account. They are providing me with a chance to LIVE into a life with Christ, more freely and more passionately than I could ever have done without them. This scholarship and the support of the people of the Rocky Mountain Synod gives me the chance to deeply exhale a breath of thanks when the bills roll in, and allows me to inhale the breath that boots me out into the world to go and serve. Their gift is both to me and to the greater ELCA! Thank you for your support of these leaders and thank you for your commitment to the ministry we share together as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America!

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21 A Health Ministry Team and Parish Nurse/Faith Community Nurse can make a huge difference in your congregation as it did here: A gentleman who had been the most negative about having a Parish Nurse/FCN in a recent survey, called the FCN to discuss his blood work. He stated that there were several highs and lows in the report, but was told not to worry they were fine and that the Dr. and staff didn t have time to discuss the results with him. He had concerns! The FCN spent the next ½ hour going over the bloodwork with him. He then turned the phone over to his wife, who had several questions. Then he remembered he had a couple of other concerns which the FCN was able to address with him. At the end of the conversation, he said, I can t tell you how much this has meant to me! What can I do for Health Ministries? The Faith Community Nurse asked, What do you like to do? He stated, Well, I used to be a baker. Is there any need for fresh baked bread? The Nurse replied, We have a Visitation Team that visits the shutins, and I m sure they would love to take some bread to those they visit. This gentleman not only baked bread, but taught some others how to make different kinds of bread. That began an incredible relationship that continues to this day. Health ministry is a perfect example of MANY VOICES, ONE SONG! Karen Setzer ksetzer@live.com

22 Hunger Network Ministry Booklet Looking for Resources and Updates? New ELCA World Hunger resources are constantly being developed. Often they are introduced in the twice-a-year resource packets that are mailed to every congregation and any identified hunger leaders on the ELCA World Hunger database. You can also find them at The Hunger Network maintains a list of congregational contacts to whom we newsletters and other information. Send an to Carol McDivitt (mcdivittc@mindspring.com) to be added to our list AND browse our page on the synod s website: If you use Facebook, know that the Hunger Network is working on having a more effective presence on the synod s Facebook page. You can also like or follow ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA Global Links, Lutheran World Federation & Lutheran World Relief. Core Team Carol McDivitt (chair) mcdivittc@mindspring.com Kay & John Bengston jkbengston@msn.com Jean Gall duanegall@aol.com Earl Matson matsonen@aol.com Barbara Ripperger bripperger2@gmail.com Diana Stigleman stigleperson@gmail.com Domestic Hunger Grants! A total of $18,000 is funding eight domestic hunger projects on the territory of our synod. Agencies will receive this funding for two years. Watch for stories about these ministries!! Together, the Church Works Better for ALL!

23 LIFE in Service Network The LIFE in Service Network includes ALT Year, Border Servant Corps, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Urban Servant Corps and Young Adults in Global Mission. All LIFE in Service organizations are ministries of the ELCA or are ELCA affiliated. Leaders from each organization, along with the ELCA s program director for Youth Adult Ministry, are working to provide opportunities for service learning for young adults in the ELCA. LIFE = Lutheran Immersion & Formation Experiences. Together, there are 225 LIFE in Service volunteers serving annually with the United States and around the world, and more than 3,200 alumni of these programs who continue to live out the value of service in their lives. The ELCA Young Adults page, has links to each of the programs, under "Ministries." You may download LIFE in Service posters at ALT Year (Abundant Life Together) Priority Deadline: April 15 Website: Contact: Rev. Josh Graber; (203) ; josh@altyear.org Site(s) in: Toledo, OH; St. Paul, MN Service Type: Gap-year opportunity for young adults age 18 to 25 to explore their gifts, passions, & calls through relationships with peers & the support of a host community. Program Year: September-May Border Servant Corps (BSC) Application Deadlines: Jan 15 & March 25 Website: Contact: Kari Lenander; (575) Ext. 16; kari@borderservantcorps.org Site(s) in: El Paso, TX; Las Cruces, NM Service Type: Year-long positions for adults 18+; shortterm & border immersion trips Program Year: August-July Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) Application Deadlines: Jan 15 & April 1 Website: Contact: Rev. Elizabeth Flomo; (612) ; recruitment@lutheranvolunteercorps.org Site(s) in: Berkeley, Oakland & San Francisco, CA; Seattle & Tacoma, WA; Omaha, NE; St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN; Milwaukee, WI; Chicago, IL; Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Wilmington, DE Service Type: Year-long positions for adults 21+ Program Year: August-July Urban Servant Corps (USC) Priority Deadline: March 1 Website: Contact: Krista Kilgus; (303) ; krista@servantcorps.org Site(s) in: Denver, CO Service Type: Year-long positions for adults 21+ Program Year: August-August Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) Application Deadline: February 15 Website: Contact: Brittany McGhee; (800) Ext. 2446; globalserve@elca.org Site(s) in: Argentina/Uruguay, Australia, Cambodia, Central Europe (Hungary), Jerusalem & the West Bank, Madagascar, Mexico, Rwanda, Senegal, Southern African and the United Kingdom Service Type: Year-long positions for adults Program Year: August-July Answers to Common Questions: Yes, it s ok to apply to more than one organization as you figure out which is the best fit. Yes, we talk with one another regularly. If you have questions about how our application timelines or requirements match up, please ask. Married couples are welcome to apply to BSC, LVC, USC & YAGM. January 2016

24 From the Congo to LFS Ndulu Sabuni has been a Case Manager for Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains (LFS) refugee program since June of He is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and speaks French, English, and Swahili. Ndulu works primarily with clients from Cuba, Afghanistan, and various African countries. He studied journalism in school and worked as a high school teacher before coming to the U.S. Ndulu is very involved in his church and says that on the weekends he can be found praying and singing in the choir. His favorite thing about being a Case Manager is being able to help people the way that LFS helped him when he first arrived as a refugee. When asked what the most important piece of advice that he gives to his clients is, he explains that he tries to inspire them to believe in themselves, even when it seems impossible. I tell them what was told to me when I was new here use your experience in experiments to get your expectations. LFS and those who are associated with LFS are regularly referred to as just Lutheran by Denver refugees and their communities. As a Lutheran organization, LFS thinks it is wonderful that when refugees are welcomed to the Rocky Mountain region, they learn that a Lutheran is someone who is there to help and support them. The assistance and compassion that LFS bestows not only on refugees, but also in foster care, older adult and caregiver services, disaster relief, pregnancy counseling, and many other services expands the church ministry beyond local congregations. Thanks to the community s generosity and the generosity of various churches, LFS is able to live out their mission of offering services that heal, strengthen, and provide hope. Please visit their website for more information and to support their programs! LFSRM.ORG

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26 Mosaic in 2015: a message for the Rocky Mountain Synod, where Mosaic provides services in Colorado Springs, Denver, Northern Colorado (Fort Collins) and Western Colorado (Grand Junction) Together, we are the church. If Mosaic had theme for 2015, it was better together. Too often people with intellectual disabilities are missing in our communities, not because of malice, but because of misunderstanding. Every day we work to ensure that the more than 3,700 people we support have opportunities to live, work and worship in supportive, inclusive communities. A highlight of the year was attending the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit, Mich., where we shared the message that our faith communities are better when people with intellectual disabilities are included as valued and active participants. Hundreds of students and adult leaders stopped by to learn about the work Mosaic does from Ryan, who is served by Mosaic in Central Iowa. Rejoicing Spirits, which helps churches partner with people with intellectual disabilities to build more diverse churches, continues to grow. You can learn more at rejoicingspirits.org. We are also happy to report the success of our new partnership with Wartburg Seminary to educate future church leaders about ministry among people with disabilities through an immersion class taught at our campus in Axtell, Neb. There aren t many opportunities for church leaders to explore this type of ministry in a hands on way. We invite you to come learn more about how we can work together to build more diverse and welcoming communities. Call any location or for information. Dear Partners in Ministry, It s so hard to pick which stories to share with you each year in this report. One thing we know for sure: none of this ministry would be possible without your generous support. We d especially like to thank the more than 2,700 people who attended Discover the Possibilities events to learn about Mosaic, our donors and volunteers. Please visit our new blog at to learn more about the many different ways we are working to embrace God s call to serve in the world. Thank you for your support and prayers! Linda Timmons, President and CEO 4980 S. 118th St. Omaha, NE

27 Thank you Rocky Mountain Synod for being a ministry partner! Your gifts of prayers, direct synod support of $51,300 last year, and raising up students like Benjamin Hogue, Brenda Greenwald, Kaitlyn Winter-Eulberg, Kimberlee Law, and Paul Gebo give us strength for our common work. In addition, there are 68 alums of PLTS that live and work on the territory of your synod, many of them in congregational ministries. Together, we build a local ecology of discipleship, Christian love, evangelism and life-long learning. Pictured to the right are some the new students, faculty, and staff, who joined our community this year. Thank you California Lutheran University for shepherding our ministry! As a result of our two institutions now working together, we experience: more scholarship assistance for students a connection with undergrad students who are doing graduate theological work before they graduate strengthened and deepened administrative abilities and financial oversight connection with religious programs and ministries under the umbrella of the new Division for Mission and Identity, headed by new VP and PLTS alum, the Rev. Melissa Maxwell-Doherty Thank you Evangelical Lutheran Church in America! Our graduates are being called to locations throughout the country. Most recently, PLTS alums started ministry in Illinois, Texas, New York, Massachusetts, Indiana, Montana, Michigan, Kentucky, and Colorado, not to mention California. We also receive support from the churchwide offices, which comes originally from, yes, you! Thank you donors! Many individuals and families on the territory of your synod are already giving regular gifts toward the work of PLTS. As a result, our Annual Fund is running about 25% ahead of last year, promising to pass our goal of $500,000 by five figures or more! We are also grateful for the 239 givers who have promised to remember us in their estate plans. Such gifts often go toward establishing endowed funds for scholarships, programs and faculty chairs. If you want to discuss being part of our legacy society, contact Rev. Brian Stein-Webber at bsteinwebber@plts.edu or Thank you to 25 donors who have agreed to match new and increased unrestricted donations from congregations for up to $1,000! See if your congregation can take advantage of this tremendous opportunity! Thank you new and exciting faculty who have started at PLTS this year! Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Professor of Christian Ethics Kirsi Stjerna, Professor of Lutheran History and Theology Julian Gonzales, Professor of Old Testament Thank you Holy Spirit for guiding us into the future!

28 !!!!!!!! ornings!in!may!are!hot!in!the!west!bank,!but!it!was!cooler! inside!the!samoud!story!house,!a!gathering!place!just! outside!bethlehem.!young!adults!from!the!elca,!many!of! them!from!the!rocky!mountain!synod,!were!gathered!there!to!meet! with!the!women!who!willingly!shared!their!stories!and!their!lives.!the! cozy!building!was!set!against!the!backdrop!of!the!wall the!32kfoot! cement!barrier!built!in!palestinian!territory!to!separate!it!from!israel.! Young!adults!Natalie!Walter!and!Melanie!Ferraro,!both!of!Boulder,! Colorado,!were!selected!as!two!of!the!16!young!adults!in!the!ELCA!to! lead!trips!for!young!adults!to!the!holy!land!this!past!summer!in!an! initiative!created!by!young!adult!ministries!and!peace!not!walls.! Samoud!Story!House!is!one!of!the!places!the!groups!visited.! Peace%Not%Walls% "!Learn!more! "!Contact!a!speaker! "!Visit!the!Holy!Land! rmselca.org/peace"not"walls!! Uncomfortable!silence!filled!the!room!after! each!woman!spoke.!their!stories!of! occupation!were!harsh they!feared!for! their!children s!health!when!tearkgassed.! They!were!frustrated!with!their!families! (often!physical)!abuse!in!checkpoints! But!it!wasn t!long!before!the!women!shared! something!else!with!the!group their!music.! The!women!began!to!sing,!and!the!young! adults!began!to!circle!around.!soon,!all!were! singing!and!dancing.!yes,!the!women!were! still!living!under!occupation,!and!yes,!there! was!much!hardship!still!ahead.!but!many! different!people!found!their!voice!of! solidarity!together!that!morning.! Peace%Not%Walls!joins!in!the!song! through!advocacy,!education,!and! pilgrimages!of!peace!with!justice.!our!efforts! bring!many!voices!together Christians,! Muslims!and!Jews with!a!common!hope,!as! we!support!palestinians!and!israelis! working!for!peace.!! AWARENESS! ACCOMPANIMENT! ADVOCACY!!M

29 Dear Partners in Ministry, Spring 2016 It s an interesting and challenging time to be the church. Ministry leaders are learning to navigate the changing culture by holding on to the best of the past while finding ways to be creative, nimble, and resilient. This is just as true for Portico. As we navigate the changing landscape, we are guided by two core values: stewardship and collaboration. For us, that means caring wisely for all we are entrusted to manage time, money, our employees, and the well-being of those we serve so leaders can access important benefits and resources, today and in retirement. Here are a few ways we re putting those values into practice: We spend and invest with care. In these times of rising health care costs and tight church budgets, we work hard to follow a lean, carefully managed spending plan with a goal of keeping costs low. As 2015 investment markets dramatically rose and fell, our active investment management strategy and strategic asset allocations helped improve retirement fund returns in an otherwise disappointing year. We seek opportunities to provide the best health care value. The past two years brought, in some instances, double-digit percentage increases for those employers sponsoring members in the ELCA Health Plan. Although this was in line with nationwide averages, we realize for congregations this is an unsustainable trend. We are committed to keeping administrative expenses below 12% of our health care budget, and are aggressively working with our vendor partners to find new savings opportunities. We tap technology to reach our leaders more efficiently. By converting our popular pre-retirement seminar into a series of three webinars, we were able to complement the rich educational experience of our in-person seminars with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of online learning. We are also developing new webinars designed to help younger leaders establish a strong financial foundation. We ve raised the bar on top-notch customer service. Our members receive more than just a friendly voice when they call Portico s Customer Care Center. As a BenchmarkPortal-certified 2015 Center of Excellence, we were recognized as one of the top call centers in the nation in both cost- and quality-related metrics. We invest in our leaders. Because the future health of our church depends on the health of its leaders, we are leading the ELCA in calling for a wellness reformation a renewed commitment to well-being that comes from healthy lifestyle choices, reduced health risks, and lower health care costs for members, congregations, and the ELCA Health Plan. We are encouraging our congregations and church organizations to put the we in wellness by joining in conversation with their pastors and professional staff about creating a culture that supports healthy lifestyles. Portico is committed to providing a cost-effective, comprehensive benefit program that helps our church s leaders stay nimble, resilient, and confident in these interesting, challenging times. In Christ, The Rev. Jeffrey D. Thiemann President and CEO

30 Senior High #2 at Rainbow Trail in 2015 was a memorable week to say the least. Our campers reached the summit of Eagle Peak, flipped two rafts in the Arkansas River and popped a third, and expressed wonderful creativity in their plans for the camp community. But this is not what made that week special. Campers from all over the US-- Colorado, Texas, Iowa, and New Mexico, just to name a few- - gathered to spend a week together in community, faith, and service to one another at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. Led by phenomenal counseling and support staff, campers burst into Sunday with a noticeable energy and enthusiasm that would prove to carry throughout the week. Before long, it became clear that Rainbow Trail is a place where these campers felt safe, and knew that they could be themselves. That this is an authentic community that genuinely cares for each other without exception. The bond that developed among those at RTLC that week was visible and tangible. Complete strangers on Sunday grew into caring, compassionate friends by Friday. This wasn t limited to individual cabins, but rather became a community built on love. When a group of campers from Texas had to leave late on Friday night to make the long drive home, without prompting, the entire camp gathered at the pavilion, prayed together for the group s travels, said goodbye, and sang them out with the Song of Blessing. It is easy to imagine that this is how God wants the world to be. For more info, contact dave@rainbowtrail.org or visit

31 RECONCILING IN CHRIST Frequently Asked Questions All people are welcome in our faith community. Why should we single out lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people? Many LGBTQ people have learned by experience that they are not welcome in faith communities, even in those that state, All are welcome here! A general statement of welcome is often heard as meaning everybody but me, so it can take a special effort to communicate an authentic welcome to LGBTQ people. Many RIC communities find that the process of extending a welcome to LGBTQ people opens them up to other people or groups who also need a particular invitation to know that all includes them as well. How does a Lutheran community become part of the RIC roster? The community must make a public, specific indication of its welcome to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Congregations and worshipping communities typically pass an Affirmation of Welcome or Welcome Statement at a congregational meeting. Governing boards of organizations typically pass a similar affirmation or welcome statement. Synods indicate their intent of welcome by passing resolutions at synod assemblies. Colleges and seminaries demonstrate their intent by explicitly including people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in their nondiscrimination policies. When was the RIC program started and why? Beginning in 984, the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) program recognizes Lutheran congregations, synods, organizations, colleges, and seminaries that welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Because lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people of faith are frequently made to feel unwelcome in many Lutheran settings, the RIC roster provides a list of Lutheran communities where people of all sexual orientations and gender identities can find safe, nurturing, and affirming settings in which to worship and learn. ReconcilingWorks LUTHERANS FOR FULL PARTICIPATION 1669 Arcade Street N St. 2 Saint Paul, Minnesota (651) ReconcilingWorks.org

32 Sky Ranch Colorado SUMMER CAMP WORSHIP BACKPACKING BIBLE STUDY SERVICE RETREATS DAY CAMP Seeing kids and grown-ups discuss their calling to serve and love one another, to care for creation, and to seek justice for the poor this filled me with a powerful hope still resounding at my deepest center. It was like an intergenerational monastery with spaghetti dinners and s mores! Robin Lutjohann Pastoral Intern, Abiding Hope Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp Facilitating an Encounter with Christ on the Mountaintops Partnering with Congregations

33 SYNOD COUNCIL ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD ELCA The Rocky Mountain Synod Council, elected by the Synod Assembly, consists of the officers, elected members from all our ten conferences, four at large members, a young adult, and youth members. Staff members attend the meetings. The Council has both lay and rostered members. This body is the board of directors of the synod and serves as its legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly. The Council meets in-person three times a year and also holds monthly WebEx meetings. Synod Council Officers Earline Bohling vice president Jody Brammer-Hoelter secretary Dennis Reynolds treasurer Jim Gonia bishop Visit rmselca.org/council for the complete list of synod council members Most recently The Council has begun a strategic planning process where we are seeking input from a wide variety of people within our synod to plan our mission for the next three years. The Council works closely with the Bishop s staff, learning of their work and helping them with issues. A task force created by the Council recently completed the new Compensation Guidelines. Other task forces are formed from time-to-time. These groups have worked on Disability Guidelines, Severance Guidelines, Personnel Policies to name a few. The Council along with staff makes decisions around the Lutheran Center. The Council approved the day center for Growing Home at the Lutheran Center using the church basement every day. It is the Council s duty to see the resolutions approved by the Assembly are implemented. Other routine duties include creating and bringing the synod budget to the Assembly, approving calls to specialized ministry and intentional interims, approving On-Leave-From-Call requests and retirements.

34 Did you know? The ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod is the ONLY synod to host TWO of the ELCA s five volunteer servant corps! How many are there? Each year in the Rocky Mountain Synod, people from all parts of the world come to live, learn, and serve. What do they do? Volunteers dedicate a year to living in intentional community, practicing simple living, working for social justice, and exploring spirituality. Why is this important? In our calling to be church together, we are young and old, rich and poor together building bridges, rooted in community for action. Are there stewardship opportunities? Always! Volunteers love receiving care packages, appreciate being remembered in prayer, and enjoy the opportunity to share stories with others that really care! Check us out! borderservantcorps.org urbanservantcorps.org

35 e MANY VOICES. SONG. For 30 years, Wartburg College s Urban Studies Program at Wartburg West-Denver has united its students and the Denver community. Wartburg West now hosts students from Allen College (Iowa) and Augustana College (Rock Island) as we collaborate for the common good. The real-world experience I gained from my internship, while taking classes and volunteering in the city, taught me a great deal about myself and my ability to juggle responsibilities and handle adult life. Alex Gheysens 17 Learn more at or find Wartburg West on Facebook.

36 Rocky Mountain Synodical Women s Organization The RMSWO is a vibrant part of being Church--Better Together! Units or Circles of women in all the ELCA Congregations in the Rocky Mountain Synod form the core of our life together, and our Purpose is: As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. We worship and pray, we enjoy Christian fellowship at our Cluster Meetings, Gatherings and Biennial Conventions, and our offerings are shared from the congregational units to the synod level and on to churchwide, where together we provide grants and scholarships to many in need. We serve others because of our love of God in Christ. Take a look on the Rocky Mountain Synod s website for more information about us: Contact Anna Thompson, Board President, at anna498.at@gmail.com to register for our next convention at St. Paul s Lutheran in Cheyenne, Wyoming -- September 16-18, 2016.

37 Youth Discipleship Team Youth Empowering Youth to be World Shakers: Accompany, Grow, Love Be a Part of the YDT!!!! The Youth Discipleship Team is looking to be a huge part in the church and in the lives of the youth. We want to include everyone from the Rocky Mountain Synod in this transforming ministry and help everybody accompany, grow, and love. Please rmsyouthdt@gmail.com for any questions about YDT or if you are interested in joining. Help us, and join us, in our journey as we become a bigger and stronger YDT: Accompany! Grow! Love! How LYO is different from the YDT: LYO was the former YDT. LYO was the former youth organization that was lead by adults and was all adult planned. LYO started to change, many people could no longer be apart of it and it was falling apart. Eventually it stopped meeting and youth had less of a voice in the church. YDT is the new team of youth from the Rocky Mountain Synod that are becoming more apart of the church. We bring our own ideas and try to make changes and improvements, this gives the youth a bigger voice. Unlike LYO, YDT is youth lead. We plan to expand and become more involved with the Rocky Mountain Synod. 1