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Advent Blessings December 17, 2015
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The 2016 Plan for Mission Support is now available in a fillable PDF
Please visit our website at www.spselca.org The due date for returning it is January 22.
Click here for a fillable PDF of the 2016 Plan for Mission Support
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A message from Bishop Mark W. Holmerud
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It's Advent, and we are deep into the season where love, peace, good will, joy and hope are supposed to be much in evidence. Nevertheless, each day we hear reports of yet another Muslim Mosque in this country being vandalized or burned. At least one Mosque was spray painted with the name "Jesus." I'm pretty sure that's not what Jesus would call a "WWJD" course of action. As we prepare for Christmas, Muslim men and women in this country are being persecuted and physically threatened or attacked for their faith practices, dress, or appearance. Sadly, members of the Sikh community are also being targeted for violence, because it is assumed they are somehow aligned with terrorism. More and more, it seems that hate and xenophobia are replacing love and hospitality.
There is no doubt that the actions of those who claim allegiance to ISIL, including recent attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, are deplorable. As is the rhetoric and yes, hate speech, of a few politicians in this country who have ramped up fears in many of our communities. Fears that operate out of assumptions. Fears that leave behind reason and logic and Christian faith practices of welcome and hospitality. Fears that are subverting this nation's long-held welcome of immigrants, as inscribed on a plaque in the base of the Statue of Liberty, part of a sonnet by Emma Lazarus:
"Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" Earlier this year we gathered for our Online Synod Gathering and were blessed to hear Dr. David Vasquez-Levy, President of Pacific School of Religion, talk about Biblical stories of migrants and immigrants. We heard again and again how the Bible calls us to offer refuge for those who have none. Just this week, I found a church sign shared on the internet which reads, "Christmas: A story about a middle-East family seeking refuge." Such a message stands in stark contrast to recent proposals to ban all Muslims from immigrating to our country, or to restrict access to this country by Syrian refugees. In spite of the fact that the vast majority of Muslim-Americans have denounced the actions and ideology of ISIL, this community continues to be viewed with suspicion.
I believe our calling as followers of Jesus is to speak for those who have no one to stand with or speak for them, unless we do. I believe we are being called, now, to speak out on behalf of our Muslim sisters and brothers who are being blamed for the actions of others in which they have had no part. It is such fears and scapegoating that led to the creation of places like Auschwitz or Manzanar. Our voices must be heard. Our actions must be seen. Our communities must be healed. I recently posted a quote from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (www.lirs.org) on my Facebook page which stated that we are called to support immigration as people of faith because we are Christian, and it was "shared" nearly 800 times. I have never had this kind of response to any other post I have offered on Facebook - thank you. Our voices must be heard!
To that end, I was privileged to add my name to a statement denouncing Anti-Muslim Hate Speech from the San Francisco Interfaith Council, along with many colleagues including The Rev. Elizabeth Ekdale of St. Mark's Lutheran in San Francisco. I am also very thankful for the words of Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton in an Open Letter to the Muslim-American Community. Both statements are available below. I encourage you to read both, and share as you feel led. Please feel free to use these statements in your congregations and communities, as we share a hope for our country and our world that is grounded in our faith and belief that God loves the world - the whole world - no exceptions. Blessings in Advent, as we await the coming of the One who calls us to reflect God's love and forgiveness for all.
Peace, Bp. Mark SF Faith Leaders Denounce Anti-Muslim Hate Speech December 11, 2015
"People of faith and the religious beliefs they profess share much in common - the desire for a peaceful world, respect for one another and the commitment to strive collaboratively to advance social justice and philanthropy for the common good.
Current attempts to isolate and demonize our Muslim sisters and brothers violate our common beliefs, indeed our American ideals, and cannot and must not be allowed to prevail. Freedom of religion is a basic tenet of our Constitution, a legacy entrusted to us by our country's founders. Just as the early settlers came to America to find freedom to practice their religion, so too should that inalienable right be ensured for those who seek to freely express their religious beliefs today." Dec. 11, 2015
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ELCA presiding bishop issues letter to
Muslim-American community
CHICAGO (ELCA) - In a Dec. 11 letter to the Muslim-American community, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), said, "I am writing on behalf of many Christians in this country who wish to share a word of solidarity, love and hope with you in these difficult days."
"In our love for you, our Muslim neighbors, we are distressed by the ways in which you are being forced to bear the fears held by many in our nation," Eaton wrote. "Therefore, we renew our commitment to find even more effective ways to protect and defend you from words and actions that assault your safety and well-being. We believe God calls us to resist what is divisive, discriminatory, xenophobic, racist or violent, and we want you to look to us as allies and friends." Click here to continue reading....
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ELCA Global Links - December 2015
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 NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYNODAND BEYOND
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A message from your SPS Resource Center
Please click here to read the recent email news blast from the SPS Resource Director Janet Lane.
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Sierra Pacific Synod Offices
Closed for the Holidays
Please take note that our Synod offices will be closed in observance of the Christmas holiday on December 24-25, 2015, and closed in observance of New Year's Eve and Day on December 31, 2015 and January 1, 2016.
You may leave a message on our voicemail and send us emails during these times.
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Mt. Cross Programs
for Jr. High & Confirmation Groups
Jr. High Winter Weekend 
Jr. High Spring Weekend
April 29-May 1, 2016
Shalom Camp
July 10-15, 2016
Mt. Cross Ministries offers 3 amazing programs specifically tailored for your Jr. High and Confirmation aged youth. Our Jr. High Winter Weekend and Jr. High Spring Weekend are both are 3 day, 2 night retreats that provide a chance for youth to explore their faith through engaging worship, thought provoking sessions, small group discussions, groups activities and fellowship youth from other churches. SHALOM Camp is a dynamic, week long confirmation camp made possible by a partnership between pastors, youth workers and the Mt. Cross Staff. Campers spend their mornings in learning groups where Pastors lead them through our specially designed SHALOM curriculum, their afternoons enjoying traditional camp activities like archery or high ropes and their evenings are filled with special all camp games and worship opportunities. Mt. Cross Ministries receives program support for all three programs from synod churches and church workers, so you can rest easy know that we are providing a theologically sound and safe program.
For more information on these programs, please click on the link below or contact the Director of Programs at program@mtcross.org.
2016 Jr. High Winter & Spring Weekends
2016 Shalom Camp
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PLTS announces opportunities for learning and continuing education
Week of Renewal- "Worship: Beyond Style"
January 11-14, 2016
Join us after Christmas at PLTS for a time of learning and renewal. This year's theme is "Worship: Beyond Style." Susan Briehl will lead a workshop on stewarding the words we use for worship, and the three aspects of this stewardship: Cherishing, Curating, and Crafting. Songleader/composer Jonathan Rundman will lead an interactive discussion about worship and congregational participation. In the mornings, Kyle Schiefelbein facilitates a conversation among the two workshop leaders and participants about connecting liturgical language and participation with the larger Lutheran traditions that we do and will encounter. Click here for more information.
Praxis: Lifelong Education for Faith and Practice - Online Continuing and Community Education
Praxis is fully online and taught by well-known faculty and practitioners in a variety of fields. The spring term begins January 18 and includes the following two courses:
- Responding to God's Call: Racism, Injustice, and the Church with Prof. Jeremy Rehwaldt
- The Good News According to Luke Today with Prof. Eric Barreto
Visit http://www.plts.edu/praxis for more information and to register.
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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 |
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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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We are very saddened to announce the death of Mr. Jack Pease, a member of the Synod Council and the Synod Council Executive Committee. Jack was an active member of Holy Shepherd Lutheran in Orinda, and was a pivotal member of the Synod Transition Team that helped create the current deployed staff offices in Sacramento, Burlingame and Fresno. Jack died from complications following a surgery on his Aorta.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 16th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Shepherd Lutheran, 433 Moraga Way, Orinda, CA. May God bless our memories of this very dedicated servant leader in our shared ministry.
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We Remember in Prayer...
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For the family and friends, and for the congregation of Holy Shepherd in Orinda, on the unexpected death of Jack Pease (a member of the Synod Council, lay male, District A), who died following complications after a surgery on his aorta last Wednesday.
Pastor Jim Warnock (Chaplain, Queen of the Valley Medical Center, Napa), his wife Denise Bleuel and stepson Lucas, grieving the death of Denise's eldest son Quoyah, who committed suicide, ending his long struggle with mental illness.
Pr. David Olson (retired) undergoing surgery and treatment for kidney cancer
Paul Stum (Spouse of Pr Martha Stum, Interim, Ukiah) who is recovering from heart surgery.
The victims and those who were affected by the shootings on Wednesday in San Bernardino area.
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.
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Those wishing to volunteer on the Valley fire are asked to register with North Coast Opportunities at www.ncoinc.org. Once 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:
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Congregations in Transition
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Second Mile Giving
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December 2015
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Synod Calendar
Events and Meetings
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December 24-25, 2015
Synod Offices Closed
December 31, 2015-January 1, 2016
Synod Offices Closed
January 22-23, 2016Candidacy Committee Meeting PLTS Berkeley, CA
January 29-30, 2016
Synod Council Meeting
Sacramento, CA
February 2-3, 2015
Dean's Retreat
February 4, 2016
Interim steering committee
Bay Area Office of the Bishop
Burlingame, CA
February 22-23, 2016 Retired Clergy/AIMs/Spouses/Widows & Widowers Retreat San Damiano Retreat Center Danville, CA
February 23, 2016
Regional Interim pastor gathering
Bay Area Office of the Bishop
Burlingame, CA
February 25, 2016
Regional Interim pastor gathering
Sacramento Office of the Bishop
Sacramento, CA February 26-28, 2016SPSYC February Elementary Youth Retreat March 12, 2016Synod Council Meeting Sacramento, CA June 3-5, 20162016 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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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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