The power of being church together

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Dear Beloved in Christ in the Rocky Mountain Synod,

These have been difficult days for many communities in our region as historic flooding continues to impact the lives of countless people in northern Colorado, from the mountains and the Front Range towns, to the Denver metro area and out onto the eastern plains.  Flooding has been taking place in northern New Mexico as well. For an area that has been stressed more recently by wildfires because of long-standing drought conditions, it feels perplexing to suddenly be dealing with the overwhelming power of too much water.

Two girls in a family visiting Rejoice, Erie, on
Sunday morning were nearly swept away in fast water.
Members of the church helped them stay safe. Here
they are wrapped in acolyte albs and Pastor Ruby Narucki's
sweater blanket to stay warm.
But it is at times like these we are reminded of the power of being church together. I want you to know of the many words of greeting, support and prayer that I have received on your behalf from every corner of the ELCA, including those regions that know firsthand the challenges of recovering from floods.  Bishop Hanson and members of the Churchwide staff have also been in touch to let us know of their concern and their readiness to accompany us during this time.

Here are some of the practical steps we are taking as the ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod to respond to the current situation.

Communication:  As the rains were falling, we began reaching out to our pastors in the areas most immediately impacted.  We have asked our rostered leaders and congregations to continue sharing information and stories, and our most immediate place for those posts is on the Rocky Mountain Synod Facebook page.  We will continue to share information and stories in the days ahead.

Disaster Response Coordination:  This week we will continue the conversation with our primary ministry partners – Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains – in determining the next steps for responding to this disaster.  We will seek to be in touch with pastors and congregations in all impacted areas both to assess needs and to provide resources.  Within the Office of the Bishop, Pastor Ron Roschke (Synod Minister for Shared Ministries) will be the contact person for our efforts.  

Funds for Disaster Response:  We are encouraging funds to be sent either directly to the Rocky Mountain Synod (for Flood Relief) or to Lutheran Disaster Response (Flooding in Colorado).  While funds channeled to Lutheran Disaster Response will allow for a larger-scale response to communities in need (often in partnership with other agencies), funds that come directly to the Synod allow us the flexibly of assisting with specific local situations that come to our attention. 

Prayer and Support:  We invite the intentional prayers and support of all our congregations and members for those impacted.  A disaster like this leaves many people uprooted, disoriented, and experiencing grief and stress.  Resources for worship and care will be shared, and if we learn of hands-on opportunities to assist in certain areas, we will communicate those as well.  We know that the needs will continue long after the headlines have faded.  It’s our commitment as a church to walk with people throughout the whole period of recovery.  We are grateful for the ways that so many of our congregations have already begun serving as God’s hands of compassion and healing in their local communities!

While it takes the collective efforts of government, community organizations and relief agencies to respond adequately to a large-scale disaster, faith communities have a unique role to play.  Not only are we well positioned by our grassroots location in communities to share stories and help leverage resources for recovery, but also we are called as people of faith to help our neighbors navigate this experience emotionally and spiritually.  

I’ve been speaking recently to congregations about the particular gift that comes with our Lutheran Theology of the Cross.  As people ask, “Why did God do this?” or “Why did God allow this?” we respond with the unexpected perspective of the cross, that insists that far from being the cause of our suffering, God instead always suffers with us. Indeed, it is in the midst of our most difficult and challenging moments, that the crucified Christ is revealed again as a sign of God’s unfailing presence and abiding love for each of us.  We as the Body of Christ, have the sacred calling of embodying that presence and love to our neighbors.

During these difficult days, I am filled with gratitude for each of you and especially for the gift of being church together.

Yours in Faith,
Bishop Jim 

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