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Response to Butte and Valley Fires
The recent wildfires have affected many who live within the Sierra Pacific Synod territory. This morning, Bishop Mark sent a response with information about the activity taking place at the wildfire sites and information on how to donate to both Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services. Please read the link below for more information.
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A message from Rev. Carlton Monroe, Director for Evangelical Mission/Asst. to the Bishop
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Proverbs 3:9,
"Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all you produce."
As we all enter into deeper discernment of ministry through committed stewardship, I would like to prayerfully submit, for your perusal, a holistic approach I pray may be useful for continual discernment of current and future stewardship ministry.
- Assess Your Congregational Stewardship Ministry
A variety of assessment tools are available, both qualitative and quantitative. Select one or more tools appropriate to your context with an option to provide objective feedback. The initial assessment ought to provide a benchmark for monitoring future indicators of stewardship.
- Develop a Vision for Congregational Stewardship
Support your stewardship and your Stewardship Leaders with prayer. Develop a vision for stewardship ministry outside and within the congregation. Discernment in this way considers both current ministry within and outside the congregation, and the desired outcomes of ministry in this way for the next three to five years.
- Ongoing Stewardship Communication
This is very important as an ongoing effort for every congregation....telling of the story of your ministry! Utilize newsletter articles, temple talks, bulletin inserts, bulletin boards, a website, social media...even more, speak to someone about stewardship! An important part of communication is telling stories about the individual and local, the regional, national and global ministries of the congregation. Through the grace of God we do more together than we can ever do alone. Telling those stories of how we are ministry and church together proclaim the Gospel of Christ to others and add spiritual vitality and life of the congregation and church.
Focus on developing a holistic understanding of how God leads and guides us to stewardship principles and theology that incorporates the caring for creation to managing resources. As a priesthood of believers we are interdependent and inter-related in the Body of Christ. As such we are called to understand healthy congregational stewardship begins and embraces missional approaches and its education.
Discerning beyond Time, Talent & Treasure, and Volunteer Ministry. This is discernment identifying ministry of assets, gifts, interests, knowledge, passions and skills of individuals and the congregation collectively. This discernment encourages you to explore stewardship in a manner that nurtures your ministry and passions individually and collectively currently, and for future ministry inside and outside the congregation.
- Financial Stewardship & Fundraising
It is not a sin to embrace financial health as an expression of faith. Recognize there is a place for financial stewardship, alternate income streams, fundraising and church finances. God invites us to respond in ministry and mission financially through regular giving, special giving and planned giving congregationally, synodical and the ELCA churchwide.
Invite, encourage and introduce concepts and principles for planned giving. Discern the use of memorials, bequests, investments and special gifts through a variety of instruments. In presenting giving options give special consideration to Income Giving, Asset Giving and other options.
- Competencies of a Well-formed Steward Leader
Through the Office of the Bishop a workshop series is available where leadership styles of stewardship are identified and skills nurtured. Identifying and establishing the development of well-formed steward leaders is high priority for discerning, sustaining and visioning healthy ministry now and in the future in your congregations, but most assuredly, your synod and our church.
It is my prayer that we maintain and improve upon our current stewardship leader development to become a framework in this synod by our coaching others throughout the church. It is my prayer that God place a special emphasis upon us as the Body of Christ where we truly realize we are connected; understanding too our shared experiences and resources for ministry exhibits our inter-relatedness and our interdependence as a blessing we receive through God.
Peace.
Reverend Carlton Monroe
Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop
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Special Presentation by
 Out of the Waters -- Whether moving to a new community for a job, across the state to pursue an education, or in search of better opportunities across the world, we live in a world that is constantly "on the move." Join us as we explore how the biblical stories of migration can shape our engagement of a world on the move. This is an especially timely presentation given ongoing immigration issues in this country and the current situation with Syrian refugees seeking asylum throughout the world.
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(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 -
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I have incredible news! The ELCA Malaria Campaign just reached its fundraising goal of $15 million! Thank you for being a part of this monumental milestone and helping us protect countless lives from this preventable, treatable disease.
We couldn't have done it without you!
Five years ago ELCA members, congregations and synods came together, dreamed big with our Lutheran companion churches and partners, and set out to raise $15 million for malaria programming. Today we celebrate all that we have accomplished together.
Working with our Lutheran companions and partners in 13 African countries, we have brought about lasting change. But our work is not over. While the ELCA Malaria Campaign will officially come to an end on Jan. 31, 2016, our commitment to ending deaths from this disease will not. In the coming years, support to our companions and partners to address malaria will come through gifts to ELCA World Hunger, which has a long history of supporting health-related work.
Without you, none of this would have been possible. Thank you for your prayers, your partnership and your generosity.
Together in Christ's service,
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ELCA Global Links - September 2015
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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).
 This 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
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 NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYNODAND BEYOND
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It's not too late to take your Portico Health Assessment
If you haven't taken your assessment yet, you may be missing the opportunity to earn your first $150 in wellness dollars when you take the online Portico health assessment. The final deadline is 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.You can use them to pay for eligible expenses like doctor bills, prescription drugs, glasses, or contacts. 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!
Tend to your well-being, earn additional wellness dollars!
Once you take your online health assessment, you can take the challenge to EARN MORE wellness dollars. The activities where you can earn 350 points can include Portico's featured activity "Be Still" (daily prayer practice), by keeping a food or exercise journal, and many more suggestions offered by Portico. Rewards must be earned by Monday, November 30, 2015.
Earn another $350 when you complete one wellness activity worth 350 points. Deadline November 30.
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CATECHUMENATE 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
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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
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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:
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I was Hungry, I was Thirsty, I was in Prison and .....
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Davis, CA
9:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by the Sierra Pacific Synod Hunger Network
Don't miss this exciting workshop! Learn how faith and justice are intertwined in a hungry world! This educational workshop by the Sierra Pacific Synod Hunger Network explores both the life-saving work of the ELCA Hunger Appeal, and how reforming mass incarceration policies and practices is crucial to ending hunger and poverty in this country. "The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries", our ELCA Social Statement adopted in 2013, calls us to reflection and action on poverty, racism, and crime.
We are very excited to have Laura Magnani, Director of American Friends Service Committee's Bay Area Healing Justice Program in California as a keynote speaker. She has worked on criminal justice issues for over 35 years. She co-authored the AFSC publication, "Beyond Prisons: A New Interfaith Paradigm for Our Failed Prison System." Also featured are Dr. Ryan Cumming, Hunger Education Director of the ELCA World Hunger Appeal, sharing the lifesaving work of the ELCA Hunger Appeal around the globe, and Rev. Tita Valeriano as worship and Bible Study leader. Asante Fair-Trade Products will be available for early Christmas shopping!
The cost is only $10 for the day, including lunch; no charge for congregational hunger contacts, college students or seminarians. If you take AMTRAK California, rides to the workshop will be provided. Questions? Contact Edie Lott at thelotts@gmail.com or (530) 582-5362.
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We Remember in Prayer...
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Bob DuMars, spouse of Pr Ginger DuMars, who is recovering from a bad fall while vacationing at Lake Tahoe.
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.
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Congregations in Transition
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Second Mile Giving
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Second Mile Giving
September 2015
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Register now for the
SPS High School Youth Retreat!
$150
October 16-18, 2015
Mt. Cross
Santa Cruz, CA
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St. Olaf Orchestra performs in San Francisco Bay Area 
The internationally known St. Olaf Orchestra from St. Olaf
College in Northfield, Minn., will perform three concerts around the Bay Area:
Transfiguration Episcopal Church
Saturday, October 10, 2015, 8 p.m.
San Mateo, California
McAfee Center
Saratoga High School
Sunday, October 11, 2015, 2 p.m.
Saratoga, California
Dougherty Valley High School
Performing Arts Center
Tuesday, October 13, 2015, 7 p.m.
San Ramon, California
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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
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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 |
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Synod Calendar
Events and Meetings
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September 26, 2015Anti-Racism Working Group Hope, El Sobrante (2830 May Road, El Sobrante) 10 am to noon October 1-3, 2015Catechumente Training St. John's, Sacramento Click here to register
October 9-11, 2015
SPS WELCA Retreat
Evergreen Conference Center
Oakhurst, CA October 17, 20152015 Fall Online Synod Gathering Click here for detailsOct 16-18, 2015SPSYC 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 June 3-5, 20162016 Synod Assembly Grand Sierra Resort Reno, NV Please take note of our office schedule: All Synod offices are open Monday-Thursday and closed every Friday.
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Not on our mailing list?
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We Are a Reconciling in Christ Synod
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| For more information click here
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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
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Office of the Bishop, Sacramento
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Office of the Bishop, Bay Area
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Office of the Bishop, Fresno
Synod Resource Center
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9985 Folsom Blvd.
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500 Airport Blvd. Suite 442
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2311 E. Shaw Avenue
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Sacramento, CA 95827-1405
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Burlingame, CA 94010-1938
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Fresno, CA 93710-8204
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916-756-1665 (Direct)
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650-590-0980 (Direct)
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559-345-2725 (Direct)
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