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Christmas Blessings December 24, 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 staff of Sierra Pacific Synod
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ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
2015 Christmas Message
"It is nearly Christmas. The evidence is all around - Christmas carols, decorations and preparations in our homes, in our churches and in the mall. That is not a bad thing. But we are also still in Advent. I want us to consider the deep and holy longing that is a part of this season. It is significant that the words of the prophets and the yearning of Israel in exile are so prominent in the lessons appointed forthis season. The people longed for the Lord to come, to act, to redeem them, to take them home. They lived in Babylon, but their hearts were not there.
I think Advent is that way for us. As Lutherans, we do not withdraw from the world but engage it believing that it is a gift. But we also know that it is not quite right, that there is brokenness and pain - the pain we experience, the pain others cause, the pain we cause others." Click here to continue reading... Click here to view Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's video message
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 NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYNODAND BEYOND
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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?
Click Here
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We Remember in Prayer...
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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.
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.
We give thanks for the rain and snow falling across the southwest. We continue to remember 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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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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