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| Easter Blessings | April 21, 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 Bishop Mark Holmerud
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Dear ,
Just six weeks from now, we will be gathering in Reno for the 29th Assembly of our Sierra Pacific Synod under the theme, "We Are Church Together." We will be blessed to have Presiding Bishop of the ELCA Elizabeth Eaton with us as our special guest. We are very fortunate to welcome Bp. Eaton as our Keynote Speaker, Churchwide Representative and Preacher at our Closing Worship on Sunday morning, where we will be joined by many members of the Lutheran Churches of the Reno area. I am looking forward to our time together to pray, worship, dialogue, discern and pray some more.
There is information available on our website about the Assembly and registration and hotel reservations that will help this be a worthwhile experience for you, whether you are a voting member, a visitor or volunteer. It might also be of interest to you if you are not attending the Assembly, so check it out! Just a reminder, May 3rd is the deadline to register as a Voting Member of the Assembly - please talk with your Pastor or President to ensure your congregation's Voting Members have been registered! After May 3rd, the cost for registration will increase.
Along with this information, I want to share with you some other things about our Assembly that will help those who will attend plan and prepare:
+ For the first time this year, we will be using the Guidebook app and software to provide information needed for Voting Members. The Synod Assembly Handbook of information will be available for download directly to your iPad or notebook. Guidebook has been used at Churchwide Assemblies, Youth Gatherings and several other synod's Assemblies in the past few years, and has proven to be a great tool for providing updated information for voting members during the Assembly.
+ Those who do not have/wish to use tablets or iPads will be able to download the information for the Assembly to your laptop or for print. Wi-Fi service will be available in the hall where our business sessions will take place, which is not something we usually have at our Assemblies!
+ On Friday afternoon, June 3rd, we will be gathering for the first time in the nine new conferences that will come into being later this year on September 1st. The conferences have been reconfigured to bring us into compliance with our synod's constitution and bylaws, which require a more balanced number of congregations and members in each conference than our present conferences allow.
+ Voting Members from congregations in the new conferences will gather to elect a Dean who will take office on September 1st, as well as to begin the process of naming their conference! Information about the new conferences, including a map of how the nine conferences will help us elect leadership and representation for our shared ministry, is now available on the website.
+ Dennis Jones, who has served faithfully and well as Synod Secretary for four years, will be stepping down, and we will be electing a new Secretary during the Assembly. If you know of someone who is willing/interested in being considered for service as Synod Secretary, please e-mail info@spselca.org. Please pray for the wisdom of God's Holy Spirit to lead us to a new person to serve in this important position in our synod's ministry.
Lastly, each week between now and the beginning of our Assembly, we are asking for your prayers for our time together in Reno, and for all of the preparations which need to take place between now and then. Thank you for your prayers, and for your partnership in the ministry we share as "We Are Church Together!"
Peace,
Bp. Mark
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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.
We encourage Synod Assembly Voting Members and Visitors to make their room reservations NOW!
The Grand Sierra Resort room reservation deadline is May 20 (based on room block availability).
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Advocacy Breakfast
Sponsored by Lutheran Episcopal Advocacy in Nevada and
The Lutheran Office of Public Policy-California
What are the Public Policy issues facing California & Nevada?
Join us Saturday June 4th at 7:00 AM
Grand Sierra Resort, Crystal Ballroom 1 & 2
Buffet Breakfast and Special Guest Speaker
Click here for the registration form and payment information
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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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ELCA Church Council approves strategies
to address theological education
The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) approved recommendations and implementing strategies to help sustain theological education across this church when it met here April 7-10. The council, which serves as the ELCA's board of directors, also took action on a variety of matters designed to help move the church's mission and ministries forward.
Key among the recommendations put forward by the Theological Education Advisory Council (TEAC) was the creation of an advisory committee to the Church Council. A working group was created to develop implementing strategies for the TEAC recommendations. In its report, the working group charged the new advisory committee "to sustain a robust network of theological education for the ELCA and to prioritize and to oversee the implementation of the TEAC recommendations."
Authorized by the ELCA Church Council in 2013, TEAC was established to address in a holistic way issues on theological education, leadership development, candidacy, call and rostered leaders.
"We're taking a look at the need for theological education as well as the way we deliver theological education across this church," said the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop, in her opening report to the council. "The effort is for us to understand and recognize all the ways we deliver theological education and try to be more coordinated about it."
Introducing the working group's proposal to the council, the Rev. Dr. Robin J. Steinke, president of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., co-chair of TEAC and a member of the working group, described a leading question received during TEAC's work. "Multiple times during every meeting we were asked this question - what does the mission of the gospel require of us to do in this time for the sake of the mission of the church?"
Presenting the proposed recommendation to establish an advisory committee, Steinke emphasized the Church Council's role in theological education. "What we heard over the last 2½ years is this church has a stake in theological education for the sake of the future mission and ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ," Steinke said. "And if that is true, then you all have a really important role in oversight."
The Budget and Finance Committee, in addressing the funding implications of the TEAC recommendations, offered thanks to TEAC and the working group for their "vision and contributions to our church as we seek to address in a holistic manner issues in leadership development, theological education, candidacy and call and the rosters of this church." The committee also acknowledged "with thanksgiving the $15.7 million in FY15 churchwide funding in support of leadership priorities of this church including theological education and formation for current and emerging leaders."
In her report to the council, Eaton identified five major initiatives across the church. In addition to theological education, the initiatives include Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA,Mission Support strategy, and becoming a multicultural church.
"If we want to become truly multicultural, we have to be honest about racial injustice in our church and in our nation. That's how we start," said Eaton. "I think this is probably the most difficult and among the most critical things that we do as a church."
The fifth initiative - Called Forward Together in Christ - was approved by the Church Council at its November 2015 meeting. Led by Eaton and in collaboration with the ELCA Conference of Bishops, the process is designed to invite the 3.7 million members of the ELCA into conversations to provide ideas and feedback about the future directions and priorities of this church.
Eaton told the council that by their approval the church will "develop a process to take a look at our priorities and the future God is calling us to in this church and find ways together to listen to the Spirit."
During the meeting, the council participated in facilitated conversations, sharing ideas about the future of the ELCA. At its November 2016 meeting, the council will consider and approve a statement to articulate and decide future directions and priorities for the church.
The Church Council also voted to recommend action to the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly to approve the Accompany Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) strategy. AMMPARO is a commitment by the ELCA, as a church in the world, to accompany vulnerable children today and in the future. The strategy will respond to the situation in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala that has led to the migration of children and their families through Mexico into the United States.
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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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ELCA Churchwide Assembly Congregational Observers
Each congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America may register with the secretary of this church one congregation observer for the Churchwide Assembly prior to May 31 in the year of a Churchwide Assembly.
a. Provision shall be made for such an individual to have reserved seating in the observers section of the plenary hall. Such congregation observers will receive a copy of the report of recommendations for assembly action and also materials distributed on the plenary floor to voting members, advisory members, and non-voting members during the assembly. Such observers shall have neither voice nor vote in plenary sessions of the assembly.
b. A registration fee shall be established by the secretary of this church for registration and related costs, including enabling observers to receive the same meals as are provided for voting members.
c. Transportation costs, housing, other meals, and related expenses shall be the responsibility of the registered observer or sending congregation.
The registration fee for congregation observers is $100. Please note the meal package is not included in the registration fee, but may be purchased separately when registering. Online registration will open in April at www.elca.org/churchwideassembly. Please contact the assembly hotline at 800-638-3522 ext 2911 or the registrar via email to CWARegistrar@elca.org if you have any questions.
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 NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYNODAND BEYOND
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2016 Portico Wellness Assessment
It's that time of year again! Portico Benefit Services and the Mayo Clinic want everyone in the Synod who gets their healthcare through the ELCA-Primary Benefit plan to assess their health, and there's a reward of $150 in wellness dollars if you do.
BUT, there's a new twist this year.
"This year, Portico invites you to make a change that lasts," writes Diaconal Minister and ELCA Wellness Manager Tammy Devine. "In the past, we've rewarded you for trying a 4-6 week activity after taking the health assessment. This year is different. There is no prescribed activity. You decide what to change and how you'll do it. You'll still earn wellness dollars if you're a member, spouse, or ESGP with ELCA-Primary health benefits. But more importantly, you'll earn a healthier lifestyle."
Here's how it works:
Click here to start filling out your wellness assessment. As in previous years, it's crucial that you do this by April 30 , because if enough ELCA-Primary Benefit members from Sierra Pacific Synod complete the survey, we will receive an across-the-board discount on health contributions. Last year, we reached the goal with just a few days to spare - can we do better this year?
Ask yourself: "Am I living a healthy lifestyle to support my physical and emotional health?" Based on your answer, pick one of two tasks to complete by Nov. 30 to earn $250 more in wellness dollars.
The options are:
Option A: Strengthen Your Health Most of us have work to do to better care for our physical and emotional health. If that's true for you, use the GO! Challenge to create a meaningful, durable change in your lifestyle. Consider inviting others to join you. Earn your $250 wellness dollars when you achieve your intended change and report it on Mayo Clinic Healthy Living online.
Option B: Strengthen Our Community If you've demonstrated over time a commitment to caring for yourself, physically and emotionally, take Portico's "I'm Living Well" survey so that your experience can help others. Earn $250 wellness dollars when you complete the "I'm Living Well" survey and report it on Mayo Clinic Healthy Living online.
So, now it's up to you. Time is short! You only have 9 days to complete the survey. Why not do it now??? Click here to learn more.
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ROSTERED LEADER CELEBRATIONS
Ordinations: Karen Johnson - April 30, 2016 - at Elim Lutheran Church, Petaluma Casey Kloehn - May 14, 2016, 7:00pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Encinitas, CA Installations: Pr. Ron Valadez - May 14, 2016, 2:00pm at Bethlehem, Lutheran Church, Auburn, CA Pr. Dawn Roginski - May 22, 2016, 3:00 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Vallejo, CA
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SAVE THE DATE!
2016 Professional Leaders Conference
The Village at Squaw Valley, Olympic Village
Mon, Oct 17 - Rostered Women's Retreat (starting after lunch)
Mon, Oct 17 - Dean's Gathering (starting after lunch)
Tue, Oct 18 (starting with dinner) -
Thu, Oct 20 (complete just before lunch)
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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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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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Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM)
2016 Region 4 Conference
July 14-16, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church, Sacramento, CA
This summer the ALCM (Association of Lutheran Church Musicians) Region 4 conference will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church (1701 L St / Sacramento, CA) from July 14 to 16. Participants will examine and engage with the theme "For the sake of..." Conference highlights include:
- Keynote Speaker Pastor Sandra Dager on "For Whose Sake? Kinesthetic Energy Patterns and Liturgical Discernment"
- Jean Holsten from Bread of Life, workshop leader on the Dynamic Dialogue
- Steven Johnson, featured workshop leader on music and liturgy
- Reading sessions
- Networking opportunities
For more information on the conference theme, presenter bios, Act quickly! Early bird special rate has been extended to Monday, April 30th. To register, visit www.alcm.org > Under "What's New at ALCM," click 2016 Regional Conferences. (A mirror website is also available on the St. John's Lutheran Church website: www.stjohnslc.org/conference)
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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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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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Bishop Shelley Wickstrom and the Alaska Synod and Bishop Kevin Kanouse and the Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Mission Area as they gather for Synod Assembly April 22 - 24.
Pr. Gabi Schroeder (Bethel, Cupertino) who is recovering from surgery.
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".
Jennie Blomster, spouse of Pr. Bill Knezovich (Our Saviour's, Fresno), after the death of her sister.
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. Dani Fey for ongoing illness.
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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Lutheran - Episcopal Ascension Day Service
Thursday, May 5, 2016 7:30 pm
Stanford Memorial Church
450 Serra Mall Bldg. 500, Stanford
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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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April 30, 2016
Ordination of Karen Johnson
Elim, Petaluma
May 14, 2016
Ordination of Casey Cloehn
Bethlehem, Encinitas
May 14, 2016
Installation of Ron Valadez
Bethlehem, Auburn
May 22, 2016
Installation of Dawn Roginski
St Paul's, Vallejo
June 3-5, 2016
2016 Synod Assembly
Grand Sierra Resort
Reno, NV
October 14 - 16, 2106
SPSYC Elementary School Retreat
Mt. Cross
October 17, 2016
Rostered Women's Retreat
Dean's Gathering
October 18 - 20
Professional Leaders Conference
The Village at Squaw Valley
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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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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