What We Get To Do Together: Next Faithful Step

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I recently shared with you a vision of what we get to do together as Christ’s Church here in the ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod. That vision includes:

·      celebrating the generosity of congregations and individuals that helps fuel our ministry;
·      growing as leaders in Christ’s Church through our new Excellence in Leadership initiative;
·      expanding our vision for outdoor ministry through Messiah Mountain Retreat Center;
·      concluding our current Educate, Equip, Enact (3E) initiative and applying for an new Lilly Grant;
·      claiming our distinctive ELCA gifts within the larger church so that our grace-centered gospel experience informs our engagement with the world;
·      supporting new and innovative ministry as we live into the church we are called to become.


In order to actively step into this vision of what we get to do together, your Synod Council recently approved a draft Strategic Plan 2.0 for the Rocky Mountain Synod and endorsed a feasibility study to determine the energy and capacity for a possible synod mission campaign. As part of this study, interviews and surveys will be conducted by our colleagues from GSB (Gronlund, Sayther & Brunkow) this spring so that our 2019 Synod Assembly can choose how to take the next faithful step into the Holy Spirit’s ever-unfolding future. I pray that if you are asked, you will agree to participate in this time of shared discernment.

I believe with my whole being that our calling to be the Christ’s Church today – including our call to live from the particular gifts of our part within Christ’s Body – matters more than ever. Thank you for your part in helping us take the next faithful step as God’s people of the ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod.

Yours in Faith,
Bishop Jim Gonia


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