Rocky Mountain Synod Women's Organization

Rocky Mountain Synodical Women's Organization 

Rocky Mountain Synodical Women's Organization (RMSWO) is a non-profit organization that represents and provides services for Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America throughout a five-state region that includes: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, and the area around El Paso, Texas. 

Our Purpose 

As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ,  and empowered by the Holy Spirit, We commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. 

Our Mission 

To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. 

How we are governed

We are governed by our constitution and bylaws. Read our Constitution here. 

Fall Gatherings

In the Fall of odd-numbered years, we organize and sponsor a gathering for Women of the ELCA and any of their guests and friends.  During this gathering we promote the current Bible Study found in the Lutheran Women Today magazine. We provide various workshops in a wide range of spiritual topics. The 2023 Fall Gathering will be held in Colorado Springs from October 6-7 at the First Lutheran Church-Peel House on 1515 N. Cascade. Get our Fall Newsletter here for more information and to register!

In the Fall of even-numbered years, our biennial business meeting is held.  At this meeting, we elect new leadership, receive inspiration from several top quality guest speakers, entertain new business, approve our budget for the upcoming two years, attend spiritual workshops, and get to know other women from throughout the Synod. During these conventions, the Women of the ELCA in the Rocky Mountain Synod often engage in the "business" of God by passing resolutions ... resolving our hearts to support certain faith based efforts.

Views from the Rockies 

Our newsletter, Views from the Rockies, is produced and circulated by the Rocky Mountain Synodical Women's Organization (RMSWO). It provides information concerning current programs, projects, and other information. Here women share their ideas, their thoughts, their concerns, and their joys. The Views from the Rockies seeks to provide the news that all women in the Rocky Mountain Synod need, not just for leaders but also for laywomen. 

RMSWO Views from the Rockies January 2024 Newsletter

RMSWO Views from the Rockies Fall Gathering 2023 Newsletter

Subscriptions

If you aren't already receiving Views from the Rockies, then sign up today! Subscriptions are only $8 for a year of quarterly issues.

Subscribe to Views from the Rockies

 

Start an RMSWO Unit

Are you interested in starting or reorganizing an active Rocky Mountain Synod Women’s Organization congregational unit or know a group that is? If the answer is yes, and you believe in the mission and purpose of the organization, you can become an active Women of the ELCA unit. Begin by asking other women to join you in this organization that is redefining women’s ministry. 

Your unit must take four steps to be recognized as a fully participating active unit. 

1. Meet together for study, support and mission. Get started by using Café and Gather. Café (boldcafe.org) is a web-based magazine for young adult women who want to build community, participate in advocacy, and strengthen their faith.  Gather (gathermagazine.org) is the official magazine for the organization and offers faith-in-life articles and Bible study. 
2. Participate in the ministry of Women of the ELCA beyond your congregation.  For example, attend a synodical women’s convention in your region or a triennial convention and gathering. 
3. Support financially the total program of Women of the ELCA.  We offer you many ways to give women around the world. 
4. Designate leadership to communicate with synodical and churchwide women’s organization. When you become an active unit, you are an important part of the organization, and we want you to stay connected with your synodical and churchwide organization. Designating leadership is the easiest way to do that. 

Once you become an active unit, another step for recognized membership is to simply complete a model constitution and bylaws form and send it to your synodical president. Remember to keep a copy for your files. The forms for congregational/intercongregational and special units can be found at the Women of the ELCA website, under Tools for Leaders.  

Types of units 
If you feel you don’t have enough women at your church to start a unit, consider an inter-congregational unit made up of two or more congregations. You can also start a special unit, which is formed outside congregations. Examples include college campuses, retirement homes and mission congregations. 

Types of groups within units 
Congregations can have only one active unit; however a unit can have many groups. Examples include a moms’ group, a book club, a quilting, knitting, yoga or girls’ group. Be creative. Be flexible. Make room for all who want to participate. 

For questions or to find out how to contact your synodical president, send an email to eva.yeo@elca.org or call 773-380-2450.   [Eva James Yeo is director for membership, Women of the ELCA.]