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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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A message from Bishop Mark W. Holmerud
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It's hard to know how we can best direct our prayers these days -- to ask God for grace and mercy for those whose lives have been devastated by the Butte and Valley fires, a tragedy within the territory of our synod, or to direct our prayers more globally to ask for help and peace for the record number of refugees making their way from Syria into Europe? Does this have to be an "or" question - or can it be an "and" question? In this newsletter, you will find links to respond as individuals and as congregations to both of these tragedies, as well as other concerns confronting us as followers of Jesus.
For concerns about the fires within the territory of our synod, there are links to Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services of Northern California. These links provide us with a way to respond out of our abundance to offer support for those who will be spending the next year or longer rebuilding their homes and their lives after losing their homes (and possibly their jobs) to the fires. With each passing day, we are learning more about the losses that have been incurred by people living in Lake and Amador Counties. Some of the losses have been incurred by members of our congregations in Kelseyville and Mountain Ranch. But beyond these sisters and brothers in our Lutheran family, we now know that nearly 1,500 homes and many other structures have been lost. It will be a long, arduous task to rebuild these communities, and Lutheran Disaster Relief and Lutheran Social Services will be there, working alongside people in these communities long after support from other agencies has dwindled.
For the more global questions we are facing, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service will not only provide you with an opportunity to offer financial gifts, but also an opportunity to petition the Obama Administration to increase the number of Syrian refugees who can immigrate to the United States. Our ministry with refugees and migrants, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), and the ELCA are encouraging all congregations to observe a "Refugee Sunday" this year. This is a unique opportunity for churches to commemorate the perilous journeys of refugees, celebrate the contributions of refugees to American communities, and educate our members on current refugee situations. The ELCA/LIRS Refugee Sunday kit contains a petition calling on President Obama to admit a higher number of Syrian refugees, protect people in pursuit of religious freedom, and support the "Protecting Religious Minorities Persecuted by ISIS Act of 2015." The Refugee Sunday toolkit will support participating churches to hold successful, inspiring events. The kit contains sermon notes, a litany, bulletin inserts, videos, volunteer information, and prayers about our work with refugees and migrants. It can be accessed at www.lirs.org/refugeesunday .
Lastly, you may have seen a poignant moment this week, when a little girl named Sophie Cruz became the face of immigration issues in this country and the world over as she broke through security lines and Pope Francis beckoned the Secret Service to "suffer this little child to come unto me." Sophie gave the Pope a letter she had written, asking him to help with the plight of immigrants in the United States. I invite you to respond with your presence to the invitation to our Sierra Pacific Online Synod Gathering on October 17th, where Dr. David Vasquez-Levy will offer an extremely timely exploration of Biblical themes of migration, and their bearing on our ministries today. Our response to the newly homeless in Lake and Calaveras Counties, Syrian refugees in Europe and immigrants within our country are all connected with the themes which Dr. Vasquez-Levy will be addressing.
I invite you to prayerfully consider how you will pray, learn, and act.
Prayerfully,
Bp. Mark
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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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Lutheran, Episcopal leaders to meet in Washington to address role of faith and politics
WASHINGTON (ELCA) - In an effort to deepen relationships and strengthen the intersection of faith and social issues, Lutheran and Episcopal U.S. church leaders will gather in Washington, D.C., Sept. 22-24 for an advocacy convening. As part of this event, leaders will meet with more than 60 congressional offices to advocate for federal funding to protect the environment and to highlight the impact climate change has on people living in poverty.
Leaders from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Episcopal Church will meet with members of Congress in anticipation of the Sept. 30 deadline for Congress to fund the federal budget. These meetings will follow Pope Francis' address to Congress on global hunger, poverty and caring for creation. While on Capitol Hill, church and community leaders from across the country will urge Congress to address the impacts of climate change by funding the Green Climate Fund and providing resources for crises around the world. The Green Climate Fund was established through the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change to assist developing countries as they seek to counter climate change. Click here to continue reading...
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First class of ELCA International Women Leaders begins studies this fall
CHICAGO (ELCA) - Six international women have received scholarships to pursue higher education at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) colleges and universities as part of the first year of the denomination's International Women Leaders initiative.
These women, nominated by ELCA global companion churches, are joined by seven women receiving scholarships to further their education at institutions in their home countries and one receiving a partial-tuition scholarship to attend an ELCA seminary. In its first 12 months, this initiative provided 60 international women with training, networking and educational opportunities, including special seminars in Wittenberg, Germany.
"The International Women Leaders Program will shape me to become a better servant of God and share God's love to people around me," said Sthela Hanitrinirina, a member of the Malagasy Lutheran Church and recipient of an International Women Leaders scholarship. Hanitrinirina is studying social work and women/gender studies at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. "The opportunity to receive this scholarship is not just for getting a better education, but to grow as a future woman leader for my community, my family, my country, and especially for my church, the Malagasy Lutheran Church." Click here to continue reading...
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 NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYNODAND BEYOND
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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 visit the NAAC websitefor more information and to register
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Pastor Jose Luis La Torre Cuadros accepts call in Tampa, FL
Pastor Jose Luis La Torre Cuadros has accepted a call in Tampa Florida to serve as the Pastor of the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour http://www.lcostampa.org/, a congregation of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. He will be starting on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 25th. His Installation is scheduled to be celebrated on Sunday, November 15th at 3 pm.
Please keep Pr. Jose Luis, Lucy and their children Nicolas and Miranda in your prayers during this transitional time.
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Last chance to take your Portico Health Assessment
If you missed taking your assessment last Spring, 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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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 Are a Reconciling in Christ Synod
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We Remember in Prayer...
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Prayers for Lisa Price, wife of Pr. Mark Price (St. Paul's, Lodi), who is living with cancer and has been recently placed in hospice care. Please keep Lisa, Pr. Mark, and their four children in your prayers.
Pastor David Bringman (Trinity, Alameda), who was diagnosed with Melanoma with liver metastasis and is under hospice care.
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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Response to Butte and Valley Fires
The recent wildfires have affected many who live within the Sierra Pacific Synod territory. On September 17, 2015, Bishop Mark issued 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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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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Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
October 5-9, 2015 ~ Portland, OR
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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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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 16, 2015
Candidacy Committee Meeting
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 CANDIDACY COMMITTEE MEETINGS:October 16, 2015 January 22-23, 2016 April 8-9, 2016 August 26-27, 2016 (awaiting confirmation from PLTS) Please take note of our office schedule: All Synod offices are open Monday-Thursday and closed every Friday.
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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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