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| Easter Blessings | April 28, 2016 |
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Our PO Box is no longer active.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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A message from Rev. Katy Grindberg, Assistant to the Bishop
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Dear ,
I spent this last weekend with 8 young adults who have taken a year of their life to live in intentional Christian community and work as a volunteer for a year. The program they are part of is affiliated with the Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry at UC Davis - The Belfry. We spent the weekend talking about discernment, and so we began with listening. At the heart of discernment is listening and community. Listening to God, alone and with others, is what discernment is about, and that takes intentionality, and sometimes, effort.
Let's be honest, listening - truly being present in a conversation - can be hard work. There are many distractions vying for our attention - from other people, our devices, and in our own minds. Being able to quiet ourselves, and not attend to the myriad of other voices and things pulling us from the matter at hand can seem like a herculean task at times. But, to listen to what God is calling us to - individually, and corporately, is at the heart of following Jesus. Scripture gives us broad road maps - "do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God"; "care for the widow and orphan and alien"; "feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the prisoner, tend to the sick"...and there are many more examples. Our discernment has to do with how will we do these things in our time and in the place where God has placed it - our corner of the vineyard, a friend of mine calls it. One way to be attentive to discernment is to take a moment (or more), breathe, and invite God into the conversation. Sometimes we need to act quickly, but many times we can take the time to listen carefully to what God, and others are saying. One of the participants remarked at the end of the weekend, that he had thought of discernment as the end of something, but he was coming to now understand it as daily event - that we are never done, and every arrival is the beginning of another journey. Together conversation and listening, Katy PS: The ELCA is embarking on a conversation about the Future Directions for our corner of God's vineyard - you can read more here if you're interested. PPS: If you want to know more about LEVN check them out. If you know a young adult interested in a year of service, encourage them to look and apply!
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SYNOD ASSEMBLY
"We Are Church Together"
June 3 - 5, 2016
(Friday - Sunday)
Grand Sierra Resort, Reno
Click here for the 2016 Synod Assembly Proposed Agenda
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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:
 The Grand Sierra Hotel is waiving the normal $10 per night "resort fee."
There is free wi-fi and valet parking.
Passage can be made from the meeting areas to the room areas via "no smoking" routes.
The hotel is honoring the "convention room rate" of $99 three days before and three days after.
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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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Change in Newsletter Delivery
 Starting next week, your SPS Weekly Newsletter will arrive on Wednesday mornings. Now, "all the news that's fit to print", will arrive in time to be included in your congregational publications. The deadline for newsletter requests will be Thursdays at 5:00 pm. Questions? Email our Communications Coordinator at kathye@spselca.org.
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ELCA Conference of Bishops, others
to examine future direction, priorities
The Conference of Bishops of the ELCA is discerning the denomination's future directions and priorities in a new process known as "Called Forward Together in Christ."
The conference is an advisory body of the ELCA that includes 65 synod bishops, the presiding bishop and secretary. It met here March 3-8 for worship and study and to continue its conversation on a variety of church matters, such as theological education, pastoral care and more. The Rev. William O. Gafkjen, bishop of the ELCA Indiana-Kentucky Synod, is conference chair.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton is leading "Called Forward Together in Christ," endorsed by the ELCA Church Council and in collaboration with the Conference of Bishops. The process is designed to invite the more than 3.7 million-member ELCA into discernment about the church's future. From this process, a statement will be prepared that articulates future directions and priorities that the council, which serves as the ELCA's board of directors, will consider at its November 2016 meeting. The goal is to launch the statement in 2017 as part of the ELCA's observance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
"The Conference of Bishops dedicated a full day to 'Called Forward Together in Christ,' the process we are using to invite the entire church into a conversation about our mission and priorities. The bishops were very engaged. I am hopeful about this process and grateful for the partnership with the conference," said Eaton.
"We will be assessing where we are as God's people and working to understand what God has in store for us. We are going to do a lot of listening - to God and to one another," she said.
In its conversation the conference explored what is distinctive about the ELCA's identity as a Lutheran church, how the church can become inclusive and diverse in a way that is inspiring and relevant in various communities, and it discussed critical ministries of the church in response to domestic and international events and more. The conference also considered how the invitation to conversation will be rolled out across the church.
To read more about the future of Theological Education and Ministry to and with Same Gender Couples and Their Families, click here.
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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 2 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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News from Mt. Cross Ministries
Summer camp registration is now open! Check out all of the life-changing summer camp programs we have to offer this year!
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!
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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We Remember in Prayer...
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Bishop James Gonia and the Rocky Mountain Synod; Bishop David Brauer-Rieke and the Oregon Synod; Bishop Thomas Aitken and the Northeastern Minnesota Synod; Bishop Michael Girlinghouse and the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod; Bishop Ray Tiemann and the Southwestern Texas Synod and Bishop Mary Froiland and the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin as they gather for Synod Assembly April 28 - May 1.
Brian Smith (husband of Eileen Smith LeVan, Peace, Grass Valley) hospitalized.
Pr. Gabi Schroeder (Bethel, Cupertino) who is recovering from surgery.
Shirley Ericson, spouse of Pr. Jack Ericson (retired), undergoing continuing treatment for cancer.
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
August 8 - 13
ELCA Churchwide Assembly
New Orleans
August 10 - 13
Grace Gathering
New Orleans
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 Thursday at 5:00 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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