WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Fall Blessings
               November 19, 2015
In This Issue
A message from Reverend Nancy Feniuk Nelson, Bishop's Associate  
  
  
  

This is the week that Paris happened.  And the week before that it was Beirut.  Just prior to that, a Russian jet exploded in midair. And then there are all the other incidents I've forgotten for the moment. No wonder they call it terrorism.  It is terrible.  And it terrifies.  At first, terror leaves us breathless; and speechless, except for the random expletive, perhaps.  But then, after the breathing normalizes a bit, speech returns ... with a vengeance.

Facebook and Twitter, TV news shows, radio talk shows, the halls of Congress, and homes across the country and world vibrated, literally and figuratively, and the vibrations continue.

For some, it is quite personal.  The acts of terror took the lives of people they knew and loved and the loss is enormous.  For others, the response relates to how the world is working, or not working.  Some see it as a predictable result of previous decisions or actions or attitudes.  Others see it as an opportunity to rage against a political party or viewpoint or religion.

Some people prayed for Paris.  Then it was noted that we hadn't prayed for Beirut.  Some thought we should pray for the world while others thought we shouldn't be praying at all, because it wasn't God who did this.  And what about the refugees?  What about the people who have left home and homeland seeking an opportunity for a decent life for themselves ... for their children.  Ah, but then, who ARE those refugees, REALLY?  Are they one of THEM?

I am confused, and frightened.  And overwhelmed by the enormity of what I see, which I know is but a fraction of what is.  I think, actually, I speak for most of us.  It just comes out in a lot of different ways when confusion and fear try to express themselves." 

As this week's author of the lead article, as someone in a leadership role in the church, as a baptized child of God, I wonder what can be said that might help.  And in that wondering, what my heart hears are the soon to come words of the soon to come season of the soon to come savior: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy.  

And for now, that's where I have to stay and wait.  I'm a few weeks early, but that's okay.  In some ways, it's always Advent.  And on some days, the only help there is comes from "Fear not".  

Reverend Nancy Feniuk Nelson
Bishop's Associate
ELCA presiding bishop encourages the support of refugee resettlement

CHICAGO (ELCA) - In response to the terrorism around the world and people displaced from their homes and seeking refuge, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), issued a statement Nov. 18 to the 3.7 million member church.  Click here for the full text of her statement.
NEWS FROM THE ELCA
Join us as we stand with our U.S. partner, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), and take action to support and protect Syrian refugees who are forced to flee violence in their communities. Please take a moment to read an urgent message from Brittney Nystrom, LIRS Director for Advocacy, and learn how you can make a difference today.

For more information on LIRS efforts to support Syrian refugees, visit lirs.org/Syria

Support and Protect Syrian Refugees

In light of the tragic attacks in Paris, we must stand together with vulnerable Syrian refugees who seek safety and a future. Reacting out of fear, Governors of over 25 states along with Members of Congress, have proposed extreme measures that would exclude all Syrian refugees from the protection of the United States resettlement system. This is not an acceptable response to this tragedy.

Our faith calls us to stand for welcome, even in the wake of fear. "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else." 1 Thessalonians 5:15 As people of faith, we cannot turn our backs on our Syrian brothers and sisters as they flee the same violence from which we seek to protect ourselves. Click here to read more information and how to support and protect Syrian Refugees 

Lutheran leaders condemn attacks in
Beirut, Paris



CHICAGO (ELCA) - Lutheran leaders in the United States and worldwide are condemning the Nov. 12-13 attacks that resulted in loss of lives in Beirut and Paris.

On the evening of the Paris attacks the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), tweeted: "It is night in Paris now - a night of grief, anger, loss. Christ is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it." Click here to continue reading...
ELCA presiding bishop  
continues call to confront racism

CHICAGO (ELCA) - As racism remains an enduring crisis in the United States, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is continuing her call to the 3.7 million member church to address the complexity and implications of the issue in "Confronting Racism: A Holy Yearning" - a live webcast Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. (CST). This is Eaton's second live webcast on the topic of racism.

Among other topics, the January webcast will raise the question of the racial disparity in the U.S. criminal justice system, emphasizing the ELCA's commitment to pray for the incarcerated, their families and communities, and those wrongly convicted, as well as to pray for law enforcers and those who work in the system. The webcast will also underscore the denomination's declaration to name racism as a sin and highlight the ELCA's ongoing work to eliminate racial, ethnic discrimination in the church and society. Click here to continue reading...
NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYNOD
AND BEYOND
29th Sierra Pacific Synod Assembly
June 3-5, 2016
Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, NV

Did you know...?
  • The planning committee chose the Grand Sierra Resort because it has non-smoking areas! You can reserve a smoke-free room, and the entire conference floor is non-smoking. You can take the elevator directly from your room to the conference area and not have to pass through the casino area.
  • The hotel is honoring a limited special room rate (basic rate of $99/night!) for early arrivals and those wishing to stay after the Assembly. Come early, or stay late, and enjoy Reno!
Warner Trust Application period now open!

The Warner Trust application period is now open until December 15, 2015. The Warner Trust grants are designed to help in the areas of youth or family ministries. A grant may be requested for youth projects, school and pre-schools and education ministries. Feel free to be creative. These grants will not be awarded to fund salaries, mission trips, national or synodical youth gathering or building maintenance.

A decision will be made at the Synod Council's January meeting and recipients will be notified by February 14th.

Click here to apply! 

Solaris, Parliament of World Religions' musicians, in Northern California 

Solaris, a folk music group from the Pacific Northwest that performed at the October Parliament of World Religions in Salt Lake City, will be in the Bay Area and Sacramento in late November and early December.  Their mission is "To inspire, educate and connect those striving to live rightly and in harmony with all life on planet earth."   The Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California has arranged for them to open the State Capitol Rotunda holiday music series on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 11:00 a.m. 

The series runs daily, including weekends, through Dec. 23.  At 7 pm Monday evening, Nov. 30, a concert is scheduled for St. John's Lutheran Church, 1701 L St., Sacramento. 

Bay Area dates include Nov. 27, 7 p.m., St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Walnut Creek, and 7 p.m. Dec. 4  at St. Cyprian's  Church in San Francisco. 

For a full schedule see
www.solarismusic.org

For more information: 
Mark Carlson,
[email protected], 916-548-3056 cell.


We Are a Reconciling in Christ Synod
  
For more information click here

Stay connected with us:

We Remember in Prayer...
Pr. David Olson (retired) undergoing surgery and treatment for kidney cancer

Pr. Peter Krey (Christ, El Cerrito) recovering from hip replacement surgery


Sue Michaelsen (Synod Council, Rohnert Park)  recovering from sinus surgery.


Those around the world who are affected by terrorist actions; that they find compassion and welcoming as they flee from danger to a safe place. 

Those who are being affected by fire, flood and other natural disasters.
 
Those who are affected by the ongoing drought, including those whose wells have now gone dry, ranch and farm workers, and farmers and ranchers. 
Butte and Valley Fires  

Wildfires have affected many who live within the Sierra Pacific Synod territory.  Folks working the Valley fire request that you volunteer rather than donate goods.  Cash donations are welcomed and needed. 
 
Those wishing to volunteer on the Valley fire are asked to register with North Coast Opportunities at www.ncoinc.orgOnce registered NCO will contact individuals directly. 

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by the fires, please click on the links below for resources that are available to you:

On September 17, 2015, Bishop Mark issued a response with information about  how to donate to both Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services. 


Congregations in Transition

Second Mile Giving


November 2015
Upcoming Events
Check our Classifieds!

 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

  


January 22-23, 2016
Candidacy Committee Meeting
PLTS
Berkeley, CA

January 29-30, 2016

Synod Council Meeting
Sacramento, CA

February 22-23, 2016 
Retired Clergy/AIMs/Spouses/Widows & Widowers Retreat
San Damiano Retreat Center
Danville, CA

Feb 26-28, 2016
SPSYC
February Elementary
Youth Retreat

June 3-5, 2016
2016 Synod Assembly
Grand Sierra Resort
Reno, NV

CANDIDACY COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
April 8-9, 2016
August 26-27, 2016

Please take note of our office schedule:
All Synod offices are open Monday-Thursday and closed every Friday.
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Staff Listing
Mark W. Holmerud, Bishop
Nancy Feniuk Nelson, Bishop's Associate

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
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   Sacramento, CA 95827-1405
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   Fresno, CA 93710-8204
   916-756-1665 (Direct)
   650-590-0980 (Direct)
   559-345-2725 (Direct)