|
|
|
|
A message from Reverend Nancy Feniuk Nelson, Bishop's Associate
|
|
I am one who still watches the 10 o'clock news at night and at least the first 15 minutes of news first thing in the morning. Yet more and more often, I am moved and even changed by what I find as I skim the various posts on Facebook.
The world was rocked this past week by a photo of a little boy's lifeless body, rocking gently in the surf. After all the reports, and pleas, all the facts and figures about how many were homeless, and how many had died, it took a single moment caught in time through a photo to capture people's hearts and change their opinions. What was impossible suddenly was possible.
I don't know who started the ball rolling or when. I first became aware of a changing of spirit when I saw on Facebook (FB) that the tiny country of Iceland said they could take 50 refugees and 10,000 Icelanders stepped up and offered their homes. Soon the news was that other countries stepped up, but it seems to have taken a David to sling the first shot at Goliath.
There was a poem that included the words, "no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land ... ".
Then the Pope encouraged his global flock of individuals, families and institutions to make room for those who had, indeed, put their children in boats.
And of course, as we have come to expect, Lutheran World Relief (LWR) was already there to care, to help, to comfort. Thank God for LWR and for all the generosity that makes their work possible.
But most moving ... or perhaps most heartening ... was the video produced in Finland named "Tervetuloa", which means WELCOME. (Thanks, Kirsten Weidmann, for sharing it on FB!) It isn't fancy or sophisticated, but it sure does manage to make its point warmly and clearly. Check it out at: https://www.facebook.com/kirkkosuomessa/videos/948535725183520
All of this got me to thinking about things like shelter and safety, who's in and who's out, hospitality and welcome ... whether we're talking about our country, our congregations or our hearts. Allow me one more FB quote and I'll stop: "When you have more than you need, build a longer table not a higher fence." Amen and Amen.
Peace,
Nancy Feniuk Nelson
Bishop's Associate
|
(rooms are available until September 18, unless sold out before this date)
This year, Professional Leaders Conference will be held at Unscripted Monterey Bay (formerly known to us as Monterey Beach Resort Hotel). During our time together, The Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan will speak to the topic of 'Proclaimers of God's Good News.'
Deans' Meeting
Oct 19 starting at 3 PM
Women's Retreat
Oct 19 starting at 3PM
Professional Leaders' Conference
Oct 20 starting with dinner -
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
Middle East and Europe Refugee Crisis
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:1-2).
T  his is Nargis. She is 2 and has been traveling with her mother and father for two months. Because of security reasons, they fled their home country and have been traveling by foot and truck ever since. They've arrived in Hungary safely but with little resources left.
As a church, we are called to respond and help individuals, families and children like Nargis. Her family is among the record number of refugees and migrants fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East. Many who have fled only have the clothes on their backs. As temperatures drop in the coming weeks and months ahead, the already difficult situation will become life-threatening.
Through Lutheran Disaster Response, your gifts will be used to provide basic but essential items for refugees as they endure the long journey ahead. Gifts will be used to provide food, diapers, blankets, water, health kits, hygiene kits and psychosocial services to assist those who have fled their homes.
From Jordan to Germany, Serbia to Hungary - we have been and will continue to work with our Lutheran companion churches and partners. As resources run out and conditions become more harsh, your gifts will help provide warmth, healing and hope for the future. Gifts designated for the Middle East and Europe Refugee Crisis will be used in full (100 percent) to assist those directly impacted by this crisis. Your prayers and partnership are greatly appreciated. Thank you.
In service,
The Rev. Daniel Rift
Director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
|
|
|
ELCA remains in 'prayerful solidarity' with refugees, migrants
CHICAGO (ELCA) - The presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is calling on the 3.8 million-member denomination to remain in "prayerful solidarity" as refugees and migrants from the Middle East in record numbers are fleeing war and poverty and seeking refuge in Europe.
As conflicts continue, especially in Syria and Iraq, individuals and families seeking safety and basic necessities are on the rise, according to Lutheran Disaster Response.
"At this time when we are witnessing the horrendous consequences of a refugee crisis in the Middle East that has overflowed into Europe, I call upon members of our congregations to be in prayerful solidarity," said ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton. Click here to read more...
|
|
 NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYNODAND BEYOND
|
|
New form on SPS website:
Click here to view "Instructions on how to complete the Treasurer's Remittance form"
Please visit our website at www.spselca.org to learn more about our Synod and other important information. |
|
|
Have you taken your Portico Health Assessment yet?
Earn your first $150 when you take the health assessment. Deadline September 30.
Click here to learn about the health assessment and other details.
Wellness dollars help you pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses. Within two weeks of earning them, wellness dollars are credited to a personal wellness account or deposited in a health savings account, depending on plan member age and health benefit option.
350 POINT GOAL!
Rewards must be earned by Monday, November 30, 2015
Tend your well-being, earn wellness dollars!
Earn another $350 when you complete one wellness activity worth 350 points. Deadline November 30.
|
|
|
CATECHUMENTATE TRAINING INSTITUTE IN SACRAMENTO
Come for a three-day immersion experience October 1 to 3, 2015 in this ancient faith formation journey that leads to baptismal living. Pastors, musicians, seminarians, and lay leaders are encouraged to attend this event offered by the North American Association for the Catechumenate (NAAC). Led by an ecumenical training team, it is co-hosted by St. John's Lutheran, Trinity Cathedral, and St. Martin's Episcopal Church. For more information check out the Events Page and/or contact the registrar, Devra Betts at devrabetts@gmail.com or call her cell 702-232-8383.
Click here to register now
Click here to visit the NAAC websitefor more information and to register
|
|
|
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
It's not too late to save $100 - The Pre-registration deadline has been extended to September 18, 2015.
October 5-9, 2015 ~ Portland, OR
Mediation Skills Training Institute
October 5-9, 2015
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
11560 SE Market Street
Portland, OR
This 32 hour training is open to church leaders in all areas of ministry,
and is valuable for dealing with current conflict as well as learning to be proactive so that conflict can be transformative.
The institute includes a printed manual and resources, lectures, small group discussions and guided practice in role-plays.
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
is developed and directed by:
Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
101 W. 22nd Street, Suite 206, Lombard, IL 60148
630-627-0507
| |
By the way, there is still time to register for
Clergy Clinic in Family Emotional Process
(...and save $100)
Group A
October 26-28, 2015
February 15-17, 2016
April 18-20, 2016
Group B
November 9-11, 2015
February 22-24, 2016
May 2-4, 2016
For more information, go to our webpage. You can now register online:
|
|
We Are a Reconciling in Christ Synod
| |
| For more information click here
|
|
|
We Remember in Prayer...
|
Pr. Matt Smuts, (Grace, Palo Alto), whose son, Eli, is recovering from heart surgery on September 8th.
Prayers of healing for Pr. Mert Johnson (RT) recovering from a fractured hip.
Pr. Rebekah Davis: prayers for healing as she continues treatment.
For all of those affected by wildfires. Shield those who are in harm's way, protect those working to contain the fires and comfort those who are experiencing loss.
For the places in our country that are experiencing violence against black churches
Those who are affected by the ongoing drought, including those whose wells have now gone dry, ranch and farm workers, and farmers and ranchers.
For all those who work with communities that continue to face challenges of poverty, race relations, unemployment and sub-standard housing who are left feeling powerless. Pray we all find ways to address the root causes and help bring necessary changes to eliminate these challenges.
|
|
Congregations in Transition
| |
|
|
Second Mile Giving
|
|
Second Mile Giving
September 2015
|
|
Cal Lutheran offers Executive Skills for Pastors
Cal Lutheran University is offering a week long course in Executive skills for Pastors led by the faculty at the School of Management at California Lutheran University.
January 11-15, 2016
|
|
|
Register now for the
SPS High School Youth Retreat!
$150
October 16-18, 2015
Mt. Cross
Santa Cruz, CA
|
|
|
Check our Classifieds!
One new job posting has been added this week!
Check the Classifieds section of the SPS website for congregational employment opportunities and donated items that your congregation may find useful.
| Click here to view employment opportunities in our Synod |
|
|
Synod Calendar
Events and Meetings
|
|
September 13, 2015
God's Work. Our Hands.
September 26, 2015Anti-Racism Working group Hope, El Sobrante (2830 May Road, El Sobrante) 10 am to noon October 1-3, 2015 Catechumente Training St. John's, Sacramento Click here to register
October 9-11, 2015
SPS WELCA Retreat
Evergreen Conference Center
Oakhurst, CA
Oct 16-18, 2015
SPSYC
October High School
Youth Retreat
October 19-20, 2015
October 20-22, 2015 Professional Leaders Conference Monterey, CA Click here to register nowOctober 24, 20159:30 am-4:30 pm I was Hungry, I was Thirsty, I was in Prison and... Incarnation, Davis Nov 13-15, 2015SPSYC November Middle School Youth Retreat Feb 22-23, 2016 Retired Clergy/AIMs/Spouses/Widows & Widowers Retreat San Damiano Retreat Center Danville, CA Feb 26-28, 2016SPSYC February Elementary Youth Retreat Please take note of our new office schedule: All Synod offices are open Monday-Thursday and closed every Friday.
|
|
Not on our mailing list?
Click Here
|
|
|
Committed to being re-formed...
The Sierra Pacific Synod
PO BOX 276648, Sacramento, CA 95827-6628
916-756-1665 · 800-275-3522 · 888-789-6434 (Fax)
Click here to visit our website www.spselca.org
|
|
Office of the Bishop, Sacramento
|
Office of the Bishop, Bay Area
|
Office of the Bishop, Fresno
Synod Resource Center
| |
9985 Folsom Blvd.
|
500 Airport Blvd. Suite 442
|
2311 E. Shaw Avenue
| |
Sacramento, CA 95827-1405
|
Burlingame, CA 94010-1938
|
Fresno, CA 93710-8204
| |
916-756-1665 (Direct)
|
650-590-0980 (Direct)
|
559-345-2725 (Direct)
|
|
|
|
|
