"and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ." Philemon 1:6 ESV
The Evangelism Ministry is the arm of the church that reaches outside the church to invite, welcome and share information about the mission and ministry of Atonement. We have individuals who are responsible for some members to inform them of special events and news. We will have greeters to welcome everyone when we are back to regular services. Our main focus is to make everyone welcome and feel comfortable in our church atmosphere.
Faith in Action
Afghan Evacuees Hygiene Baskets
Download the list of hygiene products. Note: full size products please.
Faith in Action Ministry Team (FIA) members strive to walk with people who are enduring challenges in our society; challenges that reduce people to issues and diminish their visibility. Poverty, discrimination, access to healthcare and education, and attempts to promote fear and hatred of others affect real people and families and cause real suffering. We want to confront these maladies with justice, hard work and radical love. Our Guideposts: We are blessed to lift up ELCA’s public policy, the Rocky Mountain Synod’s (RMS) advocacy policy and our own. Our approach is two-pronged: Education and Advocacy. We work through political channels on behalf of peacemaking, hospitality to strangers, care for creation, and concern for people living in poverty and struggling with hunger and disease. We welcome all people who are willing to move mountains: God’s Work, Our Hands.
Join us on Zoom
Meetings: FIA typically meets monthly on the first Tuesday from 7:00 to 9:00 on odd number months and from 6:00 on even numbered months when we share a meal. During the COVID pandemic we meet virtually via Zoom. Please contact Suzanne Rousso for more information (303-988-2776).
Faith in Action Connect
New Beginnings Worship Community: You can worship with New Beginnings virtually for Friday night worship. Click on the worship button at www.newbeginningswc.org. This worship community is a ministry of the RMS and is located in the Denver’s Women Correctional Facility (CDOJ). FIA has a history of worshipping with NBWC in even-numbered months on the second Friday at their 7pm service. We are limited by the prison in number and must pass a review in order to attend. So, planning ahead is essential.
Because we care about our global friends, we support their ministries and provide a place to sell their goods. This year we will once again have a virtual fair due to the uncertainties of the pandemic.
Recurring Collaborations:
The Second Tuesday Race Forum: Currently not meeting due to COVID, STFR is a place to learn about race in our lives, through monthly conversations. Each month we address issues that help us answer the questions: “How can we strengthen ourselves to deal with the problems of injustice without demonizing the person with whom we disagree or have an entirely different interpretation? How do we sustain ourselves and our personal health/wellbeing when we are confronted with racial injustice? How do we effectively move forward with hope? We await information on the resumption of discussions this fall. www.secondtuesdayraceforum.org Faithful Thursdays:Currently not meeting due the limited access to the Legislature during the COVID limitations, this is a diverse coalition of leaders, organizations and community members who are committed to adding a deeper, moral dimension to public discourse at the Legislature. We meet regularly when the Legislature is in session. Each session has a different focus (and legislation) for discussion and information.
Advocacy: Colorado’s The Legislature is in session from the first Wednesday in January to the first Friday in May, 120 days. There is a Lutheran Advocacy Agenda in place for CO and you can help make it happen! (RMSelca.org/advocacy for details.) Make God’s Work a reality, Act by Act, debated, passed and signed! Our legislative actions support many ELCA Social Statements, such as the Repeal of the Death Penalty (since 1995) to Faith, Sexism and Justice (adopted in 2019).
Education: We act as a source of information to assist members of our congregation to identify their legislators, districts and upcoming political actions. Upon request we provide briefings on issues of current interest at the local, state and national levels. The current advocacy policy agenda is available on the bulletin board in the Narthex or on the RMSELCA website under Advocacy.
Colorado Lutheran Day at the Legislature happens every year, usually in February. We join with other Lutheran advocates and community leaders in learning, listening and taking action. Here you can discover how as a person of faith you can be mobilized for prophetic public policy advocacy, get the latest updates on our work together at the State Capitol, and be at the forefront of building relationships with our elected officials. The event typically includes Lobbying 101 training, an issues briefing, and a keynote address by a member of the CO Legislature actively involved on an issue of interest to us. Then, we are off to the Legislature, usually a quick walk down the street, to meet our legislators and lobby for our issues. FIA promotes this day, provides carpooling and background information. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.