Our expansive Rocky Mountain Synod "neighborhoods"

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One of my greatest joys is to have the opportunity to spend time visiting Rocky Mountain Synod congregations, to see and experience communities that are deeply rooted and bearing fruit in unique and varied contexts. I recently travelled through Colorado on a "mountain/Western Slopes tour," visiting 7 congregations in Dillon, Vail, Gypsum, Montrose, Austin, and Grand Junction. (I had previously visited Glenwood Springs for a Missional Gathering.) I am hopeful and energized by our faithful leaders and the dedicated church members who make up this expansive "neighborhood" of our Rocky Mountain Synod!
Dillon - Lord of the Mountains






Stop 1 on the Western Slopes tour: Lord of the Mountains in Dillon, Colorado—thanks to Pastor Joe Holub for hosting time with staff and Council members.

Vail - Mount of the Holy Cross








Stop 2 on the Western Slopes tour: Mount of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church—a community worshipping in three distinct interfaith/ecumenical sites: Vail Interfaith Chapel, the Chapel at Beaver Creek, and Edwards Interfaith Chapel. Thanks to Pastor Scott Beebe for great conversation and a wonderful tour.



Gypsum - First








Stop 3 on the Western Slopes tour: First Lutheran in Gypsum, Colorado—thanks to Pastor Kari Reiquam for inviting key leaders to join in conversation about ministry and mission in this unique setting.



Stop 4 on the Western Slopes tour: Zion Lutheran in Montrose, Colorado—thanks to Pastor Michael Rime for calling together a super group of folks who have been exploring what it means to be deeply rooted and bearing fruit!

Montrose - Zion
Cory/Austin - All Saints


Grand Junction - Shepherd of the Valley

Stop 5 on the Western Slopes tour: All Saints Lutheran in Cory/Austin, Colorado—grateful to interim Pastor Tom Lange and members of the council and call committee for engaging in lively conversation.













Stop 6 on the Western Slope tour: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Grand Junction, Colorado—what a great evening of food and story hearing about the life and witness of this faith community—thanks to Pastor Ron Powers for hosting the evening and for accompanying me all day as Dean of the West Metro Conference (western section!).





Grand Junction - American
Stop 7 on the Western Slope tour: American Lutheran Church in Grand Junction, Colorado—a wonderful morning of worship as we celebrated 60 years of ministry of Rev. Donald Simonton (responsible for helping establish or deepen ministries in this region of the RMS as well as Rainbow Trail Camp)—grateful to Pastor Barbara Johnson for her leadership and hospitality.

Let us give thanks for these ministries, keeping them in our prayers, along with all of the unique contexts and communities in the Rocky Mountain Synod!

Yours in Faith,
Bishop Jim Gonia

Comments

Pastor Barbara Johnson said…
Thank You Bishop Jim for spending time and getting to know us on the western slope. We enjoyed having you with us, your presence and your message was encouraging and inspiring at American Lutheran in Grand Jct.!
12:01 PM
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