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| Easter Blessings | April 14, 2016 |
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The 2016 Plan for Mission Support is now available in a fillable PDF
Please submit your plan as soon as possible.
Click here for a fillable PDF of the 2016 Plan for Mission Support
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A message from Rev. Carlton Monroe, Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop
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Dear ,
For starters, stewardship or not, why would anyone ever even want to begin a life of faith? What do we, you and I, as the church have to offer as an invitation? What is our vision and our mission? Do we even in our lives and living, breathe our faith in our every thought, word and deed? Or is it that we are to find more people that can be greeters, ushers, and help us pay the bills and maintenance the building? Or...are we called by God to change lives and make the world a better place? Are we passionate about that vision? Can we articulate God's revealed vision in and through the love of Christ with a sense of confidence...or do we need to have a pastor step in and do that for us? Theologian Walter Brueggemann suggests that faith, stewardship, is about lifting up a shared way of living that contradicts the prevailing values of our world, knowing that worldly values and "conventional wisdom" never give us what we want or really need.
Considering our "church-context" of worldly values and "conventional wisdom"; Beloved Children of God, led by the Holy Spirit I pray that you will allow me to submit for your perusal a slightly lighter faith and stewardship perspective derived from Bob Moorehead, Words Aptly Spoken:
"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember, to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person might not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind."
Doing these actions in the name of our God in our every thought, word and deed, Beloved, are components of faith and stewardship of the blessings God entrusts to you and I. Peace!
Carlton Monroe
DEM and Assistant to the Bishop
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SYNOD ASSEMBLY
"We Are Church Together"
June 3 - 5, 2016
(Friday - Sunday)
Grand Sierra Resort, Reno
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Synod Assembly Registration is Open!
The deadline for early bird registration is May 3rd and room reservations (while supplies last) is May 20!
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As our Assembly nears:
 ELCA Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, is coming to the Sierra Pacific Synod Assembly as our guest and Keynote speaker. The Assembly is June 3 - 5 (Friday - Sunday) at the Grand Sierra Resort Hotel in Reno, NV. The assembly planning team is focusing on an assembly agenda that provides numerous opportunities to hear from Bishop Eaton and to celebrate mission and ministry as "church together". Please watch for more details of how you can shape the conversation with Bishop Eaton during the assembly.
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Applications for Display Space now available
Please click here if you are interested in submitting a request for display space for Synod Assembly
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Our PO Box is no longer active.
Please send all correspondence to the Sacramento Office of the Bishop at:
Sierra Pacific Synod
9985 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95827
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ELCA introduces initiative to address voting rights
Affirming its commitment to ensure voting rights for all U.S. citizens, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has introduced ELCAvotes, an initiative to help members advocate for fair elections and engage in local efforts to guarantee the right to vote.
"ELCAvotes is about linking faith, civic engagement and theology in the public square," said Rozella White, program director, ELCA Young Adult Ministry. "It is our hope to invite more people, especially young adults, into fuller conversation as they live out lives of faith in society."
ELCAvotes was developed in response to "Voting Rights to All Citizens," a social policy resolution adopted by the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. The resolution states that "members, congregations, and synods of this church be encouraged to 'promote public life worthy of the name' by speaking out as an advocate and engaging in local efforts such as voter registration and supporting legislation to guarantee the right to vote to all citizens."
The ministries leading the initiative include ELCA Advocacy, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries and ELCA Young Adult Ministry.
"In this election year filled with divisiveness and at times hateful rhetoric, it is easy to forget that our electoral process exists to ensure all voices are heard in the shaping of our representative democracy," said Tia Upchurch-Freelove, program director, ELCA Advocacy communications and grassroots outreach. "Voting is one of the most important ways Americans can be involved in our democracy. As part of our ELCAvotes initiative, we will share resources and work together to find ways to ensure all citizens have the right to vote."
ELCAvotes provides faith-based resources to encourage faithful and non-partisan voter participation and a context for all Lutherans to learn about issues such as economic and racial justice that influence voting rights. The resources also provide tools to help young adults understand what it means to be a young person of faith who is civically engaged and will help equip ethnic communities to talk about race and voting rights and the connection with the election year.
"After gaining many of the strides won during the civil rights era, voter suppression and voter restrictions still remain under attack for communities of color," said Judith Roberts, program director, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries. "The racially blatant discriminatory laws and state sanctioned violence under the Jim Crow era denied blacks and other people of color the opportunity to vote are gone. However, the U.S. Supreme Court's 2013 decision to dismantle a key provision of the Voting Rights Act removed a critical element to combat racial discrimination in voting. This removal of protection continues to have unintended consequences in extending all citizens the opportunity to fully exercise their right to vote."
Roberts emphasized that the ELCA, through the social policy resolution, has stated "the guarantee that all citizens may exercise the right to vote on an equal basis is a fundamental requirement for a just society."
"We have to be a church that not only thinks about engagement and has prolific documents on our theological views as they pertain to public life, but we also have to be a church that models active, living, daring faith in Jesus Christ," said White. "Our faith calls us to action, and this initiative is one way of being a church committed to doing God's work with our whole being."
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2016
The 500th anniversary of the Reformation is an opportunity to rejoice in the life-giving, liberating power of the gospel. As part of the observance, we invite you to attend the Grace Gathering, in partnership with the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. This will be an opportunity to experience the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) when gathered as the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, prepare for further observances of the 500th anniversary and reflect on how the Reformation can continue to guide us today.
Click here to view a video invitation from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton.
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New Annotated Luther series from Fortress Press with a 30% discount!
Reading Martin Luther's essential writings is a lifetime goal for many Lutherans, but the challenging language of his writings may prove to be a barrier for many modern-day readers. With this in mind, you may want to purchase the new Annotated Luther series from Fortress Press. This series encourages readers to explore Luther's writings alongside helpful annotations. This engaging and accessible resource will assist pastors and interested lay readers who want to explore and understand Luther and his writings with greater depth and clarity.
Annotations in these volumes are designed to provide key contextual background for people, events, theological issues and controversies, interpretive notes, and Scripture references to which Luther alludes but which he does not include in the text. Each volume is also enhanced with maps, illustrations, timelines, art, and photos to bring the context of Luther's writings to life. To see a sample chapter from Volume 1: The Roots of Reform, click here.
In order to encourage congregations and individuals to purchase this series, Fortress Press is offering a standing order discount. A "standing order" means you will receive each book in the series as soon as it is published with a 30% off discount. New subscribers to the standing order program may also order previously published titles in the series at 30% off when setting up their subscription. To sign up for a standing order, simply call Augsburg Fortress at 800-328-4648 and reference The Annotated Luther series standing order code: ANNOTATLUT.
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 NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYNODAND BEYOND
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News from Mt. Cross Ministries
 Jr. High Weekend at Mt. Cross Ministries Each day a growing number of social media platforms deliver a never-ending barrage of updates, likes, hashtags and video clips directly to the eyes of junior high youth who, in turn, use these labels to define themselves and their place in the world. How does God fit into this new world of digital labels and definitions? The simple answer is, He doesn't. God's creation, plans and strength are much larger than any social media platform. Our Spring Jr. High Weekend will challenge youth to step outside man-made definitions and look to scripture to define themselves in the eyes of God. Through an incredible journey of worship, fellowship, fun activities, scripture filled sessions and thought provoking questions, we hope to change the way youth define themselves as they discover the truth about why they were #created. "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14
Summer camp registration is now open! Check out all of the life-changing summer camp programs we have to offer this year! 2016 Summer Camp Programs
Do you know a young adult who is looking for summer employment? Mt. Cross Ministries is looking for enthusiastic young adults with a passion for working with youth of all ages, families and church congregations in outdoor settings.
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LEVN, the Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network, is looking for young adults (age 21-30) with Bachelor's degrees for an 11-month program of non-profit work and learning about social justice. From the end of August 2016 to the end of July 2017, our corps members will be provided housing, utilities, health insurance, transportation, spiritual direction, and a $400/month food stipend. There's also a $1000 re-entry grant at the end of the program for moving expenses.
The work placement sites for the upcoming program year include faith-based non-profits, secular non-profits, congregations, the Sierra Pacific Synod office, and our campus ministry at UC Davis. We meet each week for worship, dinner, and discussion. The corps members live in intentional community in a 4-bedroom apartment in Davis, CA. We're an ecumenical program, and applicants needn't be either Lutheran or Episcopal to apply-interest in Christian spirituality is the only expectation.
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Region 2's Invitation to Service & Youth Ministry Training Event is coming up August 4 - 6th!
Who: For youth (participants must have completed the 9th grade)
and young adults (through college-aged) who want to discern God's invitation for their lives, discover how to be disciples, and find their vocation at the intersection of their passions and the world's needs.
What:
Invitation to Service - Perfect for youth groups or individual attendees!
One of the things that makes ITS unique is that participants are divided into small groups, so everyone has a group, even if they came alone. On top of that, small groups are supervised for the entire event by our fantastic small group leaders and members of the ITS planning team.
What does this mean for you? If you are interested in attending ITS, you should absolutely sign up! Whether you're coming with your whole youth group or by yourself, you will have an amazing experience.
And parents, pastors, and youth ministers: you do not need to attend ITS or provide chaperones (although youth ministers are encouraged to check out our sister event, YMTE). Your youth are well taken care of throughout the event.
Invitation to Service invites you to discover how God is calling YOU! For youth and young adults (participants must have completed the 9th grade) who want to discern God's invitation for their lives, discover how to be disciples, and find their vocation at the intersection of their passions and the world's needs.
Where: California Lutheran University
Cost: Registration is $150, which includes meals and lodging at California Lutheran University. After June 1st, the late registration fee will be $165.
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Attention: Portico members over 50
You're invited to participate in a new opportunity for plan members age 50+ or within 15 years of retirement. We converted our popular day-long pre-retirement seminar into a convenient online webinar series. We're offering this series for the second time nationwide this spring.
Session 1: Retirement Planning and Health Care, April 12, 2 - 3 p.m. (Central)
Session 2: Investments and Accumulations, April 19, 2 - 3 p.m. (Central)
Session 3: Income in Retirement, April 26, 2 - 3 p.m. (Central)
Can't participate in one or more of the sessions? We'll post the session recordings on the Portico Events page in mid-May. We also plan to offer this series again this fall.
Your partner in retirement planning,
Grace Pomroy
Financial Education Specialist
Portico Benefit Services
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JUSTICE FOR PALESTINE:
Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions at the crossroads of Campus, Church and Community
April 29 & 30
Peace United Church, Santa Cruz California
Sponsored by Friends of Sabeel and co-sponsored by the ELCA Monterey Conference and others.
SPEAKERS include IIan Pappe, Omar Barghouti, Mark Braverman, Joel Beinin, and many others.
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We Remember in Prayer...
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Shirley Ericson, spouse of Pr. Jack Ericson (retired), undergoing continuing treatment for cancer.
Pr. Bill Knezovich (Our Saviour's, Fresno) recovering from a "mini-stroke" that occurred on Sunday morning.
Jennie Blomster, spouse of Pr. Bill Knezovich (Our Saviour's, Fresno), whose sister, Joan, died this week.
Brian Smith, spouse of Pr Eileen Smith LeVan (Peace, Grass Valley) hospitalized for tests.
Pr. Jon and Jaime Yurk following the birth of Ramona Rose Yurk.
Pr. Doris Nolan (Christ, Reedley) after full knee replacement surgery on April 13.
Pr. John Kushner and his family after the death of his father.
Pr. Dani Fey for ongoing illness.
The family, friends and colleagues of Pr. Joan Randall (All Saints Lutheran and Sunnyveiw Lutheran Home, Cupertino), who died after a short illness. We thank God for this good and faithful servant of Christ and her ministry. The memorial service will be held Saturday, April 16, 11:00 a.m., in the Community Room at Sunnyview Retirement Community.
Our world, torn apart by violence and war, and especially for the people of Belgium and Turkey, and those who were injured in the bombings this past week as they recover from the latest act of bloodshed perpetrated upon innocent victims.
Those around the world who are fleeing terror and violence; that they find compassion and welcome as they seek refuge.
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Second Mile Giving
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April 2016
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Congregations in Transition
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Executive Skills for Pastors:
Lessons from the World of the MBA
When: Monday, July 18-22, 2016
Where: The campus of California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA
Cost: $799 which includes classes, materials, room and board
The event begins at 9:30 am on Monday and concludes with lunch on Friday. For those who are traveling housing may be arranged for Sunday night the 17th or Friday night the 22nd.
For more information or to register contact the Office of the Congregational Relations by phone at (805) 493-3936 by e-mail: leblanc@callutheran.edu
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"God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday"
Mark your calendars for Sunday, Sept. 11, for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday.
The deadline for ordering personalized t-shirts is Aug. 19
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Healthy Congregations Workshop
November 4 - 5, 2016
Good Shepherd, Salinas
The workshop will be led by Richard Blackburn, Executive Director of Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC). The event is most helpful when attended by a group of lay and Pastoral leaders from the same church, group discounts are available!
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Clergy Clinic in Family Emotional Process
December 5-7, 2016
March 13-15, 2017
May 22-24, 2017
Hope United Methodist Church San Diego, CA
Clergy Clinic is designed to enhance the ability of participants to function as self-differentiated leaders in their ministry setting. It can be taken as a follow-up to MSTI, or, on its own. The clinic meets three times during the year for three days each time, providing a total of nine days of training. The training is presented by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center.
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STEWARDSHIP DISCIPLING TEAM
APRIL COUNCIL DEVOTIONS
Generous People Living God's Love by Practicing Dreaming Together
"The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps." Proverbs 16:9
Haiku Prayer: You created us To come together and dream To join You in hope. |
REFORMATION 500
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Bibliodrama Workshop
From Reformation to Transformation
Friday, May 20, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church,
3281 16th Street/Dolores, San Francisco
To read more about the event and Dr Erlenwein click here.
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Synod Calendar
Events and Meetings
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June 3-5, 2016
2016 Synod Assembly
Grand Sierra Resort
Reno, NV
October 14 - 16, 2106
SPSYC Elementary School Retreat
Mt. Cross
November 11 - 13, 2016
SPSYC Middle School Retreat
Mt. Cross
February 24 - 26, 2107
SPSYC High School Retreat
Mt. Cross
CANDIDACY COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
PLTS, Berkeley
August 26-27, 2016
October 14-15, 2016
January 20-21, 2017
Please take note of our office schedule:All Synod offices are open Monday-Thursday and closed every Friday.
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Newsletter Submissions
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Please submit any newsletter requests to kathye@spselca.org
by Tuesday at 3:30 pm
Thank You!
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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
9985 Folsom Blvd, 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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