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| Summer Blessings |
May 18, 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Our PO Box is no longer active.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 Carlton Monroe, Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop
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Dear ,
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NLV)
I am blessed this last week to visit with my aged parents in Northeast Ohio this past week. I am also blessed to witness again the spring lushness of green color that adorns the trees, fields and everything growing in this part of our great country at this time of year! I am reminded again that in Northeast Ohio all the seasons come and go, and as the temperature now changes summer can be sensed as just around the corner. My visit with my parents is specific in me being present with my father Ben who is 89 years of age, and whose health is failing. I am blessed and privileged to celebrate with my father these remaining days that God blesses "Pop" with life along his baptismal journey. "Pop" is very aware and realistic that the seasons of his life have surpassed many springtimes and summers for his life's journey. "Pop" smiled as he articulated that his baptismal journey is now much closer to life with God and all the saints than continued life on earth. In this way I am again blessed to experience the bittersweet joy that yes, seasons change as our lives come and go.
So again I ponder the ancient writer's wisdom reflected in this passage from Ecclesiastes. Indeed, for everything there is a season. "To everything there is a season..." is an ardent reminder for me...for us all...that nothing is permanent, including the things we own, our interests and energies, our healthy bodies, and our lives. God is continuing to show me that perhaps holding on to things with an open hand instead of yearning for the past and/or clutching desperately for what is, allows us to let the things of past seasons slip away without protest. Living with open hands allows us to be completely vulnerable to one another and new things.
In one of Henri Nouwen's prolific writings he shares a story of a woman who is being admitted to a hospital for psychiatric care. She has lost everything including her mind. When she arrives at the hospital, the attendants notice that she is clutching something in her right hand. They attempt to pry her hand open and retrieve what she will not let go. Finally, at the end of her rope and with no strength left to continue to clench her fist, she opens her hands and cries, "If I let go, I will have nothing left."
Sometimes we hold on to the past that tightly too, thinking that if we let go of it, we will have nothing left. And when we do clench our fists with what once was, we miss the present moment and even the dreams God might have for our future. While I would not advocate that we let go of our history, I would suggest that letting go of what is behind us will allow us to experience the joy and hope in this new season of life that is upon us. We then truly experience "a time to keep and a time to throw away."
As Children of God...and as Christian people...we have a hope and a future described in the pages of God's Holy Word! As we prepare to gather together for our 2016 Sierra Pacific Synod Assembly as "We Are Church Together" I pray that this hope and future gifted to us in and through God's Holy Word gives us the ability to resist our human tendency to be fearful of how the church continues to grow through seasons of change. Faith and trust in God makes us a people called to lean into and embrace what is to come. Jeremiah 29:11 reads: "11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (NLV)
Blessed Spring and Summer, Beloved Children of God. Blessed changing seasons of life...Peace.
Carlton Monroe
DEM and Assistant to the Bishop
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SYNOD ASSEMBLY
"We Are Church Together"
Friday, June 3 - Sunday, June 5, 2016
Grand Sierra Resort, Reno
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Questions for Bishop Eaton?
Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA will be with us at our Assembly June 3-5. There will be time in the agenda for Bp Eaton to answer questions. To make the best use of time, and to get as wide of range of questions as possible, we are asking for your questions ahead of time. Please click here to submit your questions.
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Synod Assembly Registration
Registration closes May 20!
After that only onsite registration will be available starting on Friday, June 3... at an increased cost!
Please book your Grand Sierra Resort Hotel Rooms as soon as possible!
The last day for the synod rate is May 20 (or while supplies last)
If you are comparison shopping, it might help you to know that the room block we fill while there, enables us to use the grand meeting space and breakout rooms. It might also be helpful to know that the Grand Sierra offers us a discounted room rate, has waived "resort fees" and provides free parking, including free valet parking for our event!
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The Sierra Pacific Synod is Going Mobile! 
Soon you will be able to download our Guidebook app, which will allow you to check out the schedule, displays, maps, documents and more! No need to download or print the handbook.
Watch for an email with download info...
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Hospitality Area
Assembly participants are invited to bring a dozen (or two) cookies for the Hospitality area during the assembly. In addition, you can help by:
- using containers that do not need to be returned
- bringing some (not all) "healthy" and/or gluten-free cookies
- label with helpful information, such as "contains nuts" or "gluten free"
There will be a free-will offering in the hospitality area to help offset the costs of coffee preparation by the hotel.
We thank you for your support - - and hope you enjoy the Assembly!
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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 $24.00
Click here for the registration form and payment information
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Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
Please mark your calendars for the next live webcast, "A Place for All," on Wednesday, May 25, at 7 p.m. (CDT). As we continue the conversation on racism in the United States, we must look within our congregations and communities.
Do the people in our pews reflect the people in our neighborhoods? If not, how do we take steps to invite and welcome our neighbors to participate in the work of this church? How do we engage with and advocate for vulnerable populations?
As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are a church that belongs to Christ. There is a place for everyone here. Yet contentment, fear or racism - individual and institutional - can hold us back from being the diverse, welcoming church that Christ calls us to be.
Please join me once again for a conversation with panelists from the ELCA who are committed to and experienced in growing diverse communities of faith. Together we welcome:
- The Rev. Ruben Duran, director for new congregations for the ELCA
- The Rev. Matt Stuhlmuller, pastor, Redeemer Church, Chicago, Ill.
- And moderator, Mikka McCracken, director for planning and engagement, ELCA World Hunger
Tune in to the live webcast on May 25 by visiting ELCA.org/webcast, where a link to the recorded video will be made available after the broadcast. A live stream also will be available atFacebook.com/Lutherans. If you would like to submit a question to be considered during the live webcast, please send it to livinglutheran@elca.org and provide your name and your congregation's name, city and state.
God's peace,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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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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Administration Matters
A bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders. It addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal concerns and topics of interest about day to day operations and management in church settings.
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 NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYNODAND BEYOND
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Congratulations!
We did it! Over 65% of Portico plan members took the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment. This means all employers will see a 1% savings for 2016. Thank you for all who participated!
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Welcome Patty Monteiro
Patty is the new receptionist at the Sacramento office.
Born December 17, 1965, she is a native of Sacramento. She is of Portuguese (Cape Verdean) descent and is the eldest of 4 siblings. She has 3 adult children and 3 grandchildren.
Patty enjoys reading, writing, art and cooking. She is a certified activities coordinator for the elderly, as well as a published author of spiritual poetry (2008).
(In God's Hands)
I put it in God's hands, all the pain & troubles of my life
And He blessed me with this whole brand new life
I put it in God's hands, all my fears & concerns
And He blessed me with some knowledge, some knowledge of his Word
I put it in God's hands, all the burdens I'd been carrying
And He blessed me yet again with this gift of writing poetry & sharing
You see, He's given me so many blessings in my life
He is our Lord, our Savior, and His name is...
JESUS CHRIST
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ROSTERED LEADER CELEBRATIONS
Installations:
Pr. Dawn Roginski - May 22, 2016, 3:00 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Vallejo, CA
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California Lutheran University Congregational Relations invites you to tune into a live stream presentation of "Approaching Death Without Fear" by esteemed speaker, Dr. Barry Kerzin.
Friday, June 17, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
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 UPDATE FROM YOUR SIERRA PACIFIC SYNOD YOUTH COMMITTEE (SPSYC)
After a couple years of conversation and prayers we have adopted a new retreat calendar. Our Elementary School Retreat will be October 14-16, 2016, our Middle School Retreat will be November 11-13, 2016, and our High School Retreat will be February 24-26, 2017. As always, all three retreats will be at Mt. Cross Camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We realize that there is not a perfect set of dates to meet each youth's schedule, but we believe that this change will be a benefit in the long run and wanted to spread the word as you may be beginning your planning for the 2016-17 school year.
We will publish more details about individual retreats as they are planned. If you have any questions feel free to contact the committee through our website. www.spsyc.org
Thank you for all you do to help our synod's young people as they live out their faith journey,
Lisa Herlocker
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SAVE THE DATE!
2016 Professional Leaders Conference
October 18 - 20, 2016
The Village at Squaw Valley, Olympic Village
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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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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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ELCA Region 2's Invitation to Service & Youth Ministry Training
August 4 - 6 at California Lutheran University
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.
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We Remember in Prayer...
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Please hold the following Bishops and Synods in your prayers as they gather for their synod assemblies on the following dates:
Bishop Michael Rinehart, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, 05/19/16 - 05/21/16
Bishop Gerald Mansholt, East-Central Synod of Wisconsin, 05/19/16 - 05/21/16
Bishop Marcus Lohrmann, Northwestern Ohio Synod, 05/19/16 - 05/21/16
Bishop Robert Rimbo, Metropolitan New York Synod, 05/19/16 - 05/21/16
Bishop B. Kirby Unti, Northwest Washington Synod, 05/20/16 - 05/21/16
Bishop Larry Wohlrabe, Northwestern Minnesota Synod, 05/20/16 - 05/21/16
Bishop Patricia Lull, Saint Paul Area Synod, 05/20/16 - 05/21/16
Bishop Richard Hoyme, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, 05/21/16 - 05/21/16
The Northwestern Ohio Synod as they elect a bishop.
Rev. Andrew Taylor, bishop-elect of the Pacifica Synod
Jessica Serrano (spouse of Pr. Jeremy Serrano, Good Shepherd, Concord) for healing after an emergency appendectomy
Pr. Doris Nolan (Christ, Reedley) after full knee replacement surgery on April 13.
Pr. Dani Fey for ongoing illness.
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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May 2016
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Congregations in Transition
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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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November 4 - 5, 2016
Good Shepherd, Salinas
December 5-7, 2016
March 13-15, 2017
May 22-24, 2017
Hope United Methodist Church
San Diego, CA
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REFORMATION 500
These are not official Synod events, we hope you'll find this information useful as you plan for the 500th anniversary.
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May 17-24, 2017
May 20 - 21, 2016
St. Matthew's, San Francisco
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Synod Calendar
Events and Meetings
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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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STEWARDSHIP DISCIPLING TEAM
MAY COUNCIL DEVOTIONS
Generous People Living God's Love
by Being Open to the Holy Spirit
John 14: 16-17, 25-26; 1 Corinthians 2:12
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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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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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