New Beginnings'

re-entry support

Learn more about New Beginnings Worshipping Community, a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community of the ELCA rooted inside the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. This workshop invites participants to hear how New Beginnings embodies worship, belonging, and hope in a unique ministry setting, and to explore ways the wider church can support and learn from this life-giving community.

2nd Fruits Overview

Learn more about 2nd Fruits, a proposal

coming before the Assembly for a vote. This workshop will explore a vision for giving back in ways that can seed future ministry, including grant opportunities to help congregations and ministries bring creative new ideas to life.

At A Crossroads (transitions)

Join Pastor Sara Wirth, Synod Minister for Transitions and Healthy Congregations to explore the Rocky Mountain Synod’s At a Crossroads guide for congregations in times of leadership change, transition, or renewal. This workshop will introduce a Spirit-centered process for discernment, helping participants reflect on their congregation’s present realities and consider faithful next steps for the future.

Synod Finances Workshop

Join Jon Johnson, Synod Minister for Finance and Human Resources and Synod Council Treasurer, Lisa Guthrie to review the synod’s finances and proposed budget.

Global Refuge

The Rev. Eric C. Shafer, Global Refuge's "Pastor in Residence," will provide an update on the challenging issues before the nation in relation to immigrants and refugees and also introduce Global Refuge's new congregation training program, "Faith Alliance."

De-escalation training with Lightwell

Lightwell equips churches and ministries with insurance, HR, payroll, and risk management services designed for ministry contexts. Participants will leave with practical takeaways for building safer hospitable

practices, supporting their people, and navigating common ministry

challenges with confidence.

Communication Workshop

Join Mike Orr, Director of Communications, Episcopal Church of Colorado and Deacon Mary Stoneback, Synod Minister for Strategic Communications & Events to discover practical communication tools you can use right away in your own ministry setting. This workshop will share strategies for stronger storytelling and clearer communication, while also introducing the Equipping Congregations Storytelling Grant—a collaborative effort with the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado—and the opportunity for 20 Rocky Mountain Synod congregations to participate.

Creating an Immigrant Accompaniment Task Force in your Congregation: Lessons learned from the Rocky Mountain Synod and Beyond"

In this workshop we will facilitate conversation and share lessons learned about forming an immigration-focused task force in your congregation to learn, advocate, accompany, and organize for immigrant dignity and justice in our communities. No matter where you are starting from, this workshop can support your efforts. We will offer tips for getting started, introduce resources for conversation and learning, explore ways to navigate differences of opinion that are likely to arise, introduce steps for community organizing, and share snapshots of immigrant accompaniment from the Rocky Mountain Synod and other parts of the country.

Synod Art Project

Guided by Denver-based community and participatory artist Tara McConnell, assembly participants will be invited to reflect on faith and contribute a piece to the whole—many members, one body—creating something accessible, meaningful, and unmistakably communal. The final piece will be installed for Assembly Closing Worship.

Story Gallery

The Synod Story Gallery is a space to listen, learn, and pray for the ministries and people of the Rocky Mountain Synod. Located in Bethany’s Chapel, the gallery will be open beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, and you are welcome to come, watch, and pray for as long as you like.

Upstairs Chapel

ELCA Church Property Resource Hub  

Where Should We Begin? Exploring new strategies for faithful property stewardship. Many churches realize that the traditional models of property use, management, and financing no longer fit their current moment, but can struggle with developing new stewardship strategies that are both practical and mission-driven. The Church Property Resource Hub is a new, churchwide initiative to help leaders leverage their buildings and land for both mission impact and congregational vitality. Join the Church Property Resource Hub team to learn about how your church can gain new understanding of your property’s potential, explore new possibilities for property stewardship, and discern how the Spirit is moving towards new life for your land and buildings. Participants will leave with an understanding of what their congregation’s next steps for faithful, practical property management might be and tools to help their leaders navigate the journey. www.elca.org/cprh

Equipping Congregations for Multicultural Diversity

Join Reverend Quirino Cornejo

Director for Evangelical Mission–South & Synod Minister for Multicultural Witness in a time of learning and exploration of the ways you can be a more welcoming faith community for multicultural neighbors.

Veteran Servant Corps Project (VSCP)

Explore how the Veteran Servant Corps Project is equipping communities to walk alongside veterans with care, compassion, and practical support. This workshop will introduce the ministry’s vision and offer ideas you can take back to your congregation or ministry setting to better support veterans and their families.

What Can We Do?

Led by Immigration Attorney, David N. Simmons

"What can we do?” has recently become one of the most frequently asked questions regarding individual action against systemic issues.  In this workshop,

 Immigration Law attorney, David N. Simmons, provides information about what we can do, what we SHOULD NOT do, and positive actions already taking place.