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| Spring Blessings |
May 25, 2016
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The Synod offices will be closed on
Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day
Monday, June 6 for the day after 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Our PO Box is no longer active.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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A message from Bishop Mark Holmerud
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Dear ,
As we begin the long season of Pentecost, and anticipate the continuing renewal of the Holy Spirit in our lives and ministries, I want to share with you a few thoughts about our life in the Sierra Pacific Synod as "Church Together:"
+ In just a little over a week from now, we will be gathering in Reno for the 29th Assembly of the Sierra Pacific Synod. Presiding Bp. Eaton has told me she is looking forward to her time with us! Thank you to everyone - Assembly Planning Committee Members, our hosts from our Reno Area Churches, and Synod Staff Members who have been working tirelessly for months to help us be "Church Together." I am pleased that for the first time, we will be using Guidebook as a way for information to be available for voting members throughout the Assembly, just as we do at Churchwide Assembly.
+ During the Assembly, our nine new conferences will meet together for the first time! There is much work to be done in discovering how these new conference alignments will be a blessing in our shared ministry, but for now, the most important issue will be to elect deans to lead these conferences as they become a part of our synod on September 1st. The Conferences will next meet on Saturday, Sept. 17th at locations across our synod for an online Synod Gathering that will offer ideas for how we can commemorate the 500th Anniversary of Reformation in 2017. The Synod Council is finalizing the process of how nominations for Synod Council positions and Churchwide Assembly Voting Members will inform our work as Church Together as we move forward.
+ Immediately following our Assembly, I will be starting a two-month sabbatical which will end as I make my way to New Orleans in August for the Churchwide Assembly. It reminds me a little of the time Debbi and I ended our honeymoon in 1987 by attending the Constituting Assembly of the Sierra Pacific Synod. Yes, I am decidedly a church nerd! I am grateful for the opportunity to take this time away for prayer, study, reflection, rest, and no e-mails! Thank you to the Synod Council, the Bishop's Mutual Ministry Committee and Synod Staff Members whose support for such a time is essential.
+ While I am on sabbatical, Bishop's Associate Pr. Nancy F. Nelson will serve as Acting Bishop, as she did when I was on medical leave four years ago. I am grateful for her willingness to serve as Acting Bishop, as her presence will be a significant part of my ability to let go of the concerns I carry as bishop, knowing that our ministry will be well cared for through her wisdom, experience and grace. Please hold her and our shared ministry as Synod in your prayers during this time - I ask because I know your prayers make a difference and are often a source of encouragement to me in this office.
+ Pr. Feniuk Nelson's letter a few weeks ago shared with us her intention to step aside from her role as Bishop's Associate at the end of September. For now, I want to share with you that it has been a rare privilege for me to serve with Pr. Feniuk Nelson, Nancy, during our time in this office. It is my confidence in her gifts and graces that assures me our synod will be blessed during my time away, as we have been blessed to have the benefit of her time and energies that have truly helped to re-shape our work as Church Together for the past eight years. I know that you will join me in wishing her the very best as she steps into "what's next" with our thanks and deep appreciation when that time comes. I am grateful that Pr. Feniuk Nelson will continue to serve as an adjunct staff member working with our Synod's Candidacy Committee.
+ As we look ahead in our synod's ministry, know that I am already in conversation with synod leadership about a process for posting a position that will be called an Assistant to the Bishop for the Bay Area Office of the Bishop, working primarily in the areas of calls for congregations in the Bay Area and beyond, Interim Ministry, and general congregational relations. A posting for this position will be available during the summer, and interviews will take place shortly after my return from sabbatical. We are also continuing to develop a new Call Process Manual and position descriptions that will help us as we finalize plans to call a number of Synod Ministers who will serve as adjunct synod staff to serve the congregations and ministries of our synod.
For those who will be at Synod Assembly, I look forward to seeing you there. And if not then, perhaps when we gather on September 17th for our Online Gathering. Blessings to you as we hold all of the above, and so much more, in our prayers. May God bless and keep us as we journey forward in ministry together.
Peace,
Bp. Mark
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SYNOD ASSEMBLY
"We Are Church Together"
Friday, June 3 - Sunday, June 5, 2016
Grand Sierra Resort, Reno
2016 Synod Assembly Handbook
Please download all sections
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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
Online registration is closed. Onsite registration will be available starting on Friday, June 3.
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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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Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee meets
Members from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), joined their colleagues from The Episcopal Church for a meeting of the Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee in Marriottsville, Md., May 9-11. The committee is charged with encouraging and assisting efforts between the ELCA and The Episcopal Church as the two denominations live into their full communion relationship as described in "Called to Common Mission," the 1999 document that describes this relationship.
ELCA committee members include the Rev. Donald P. Kreiss, bishop of the ELCA Southeast Michigan Synod and Lutheran co-chair of the committee; the Rev. Claire S. Burkat, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod; the Rev. Lowell G. Almen, former ELCA secretary; Kathryn L. Johnson, ELCA director for ecumenical and inter-religious relations; Dr. Mitze M. Budde, Virginia Theological Seminary; and the Rev. Natalie Hall, pastor in residence at First English Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh.
"The ELCA is enriched by all of its full communion relationships, and the gifts are enhanced because each of these relationships has its own distinctiveness," said Johnson. "Thus it has been very important to have a coordinating committee for each relationship whose task is to help the partners live into the implications of being in full communion. These committees celebrate and correlate common work on all levels of the life of our churches and encourage us to go further in shared ministry and mission."
Continue reading...
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Don't forget the live webcast, "A Place for All," on Tonight, 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
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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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The ELCA Task Force on Women and Justice: One in Christ is preparing a comprehensive study for use in congregations and across the church. The task force invites individuals, adult forums and other study groups to join a churchwide conversation about issues related to women and justice in church and society and then to share responses.
Each session in the study will include scripture reflection, activities, discussion points, devotions and additional resources. The study will be available in early July, both in print and for download. All participant responses will be reviewed by the task force as it works toward bringing out a first draft of a social statement in late 2017. Study response forms will be available in the printed version and online.
The response period runs through August 2017.
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2016 Rostered Leader and Congregational Reports must be submitted by May 31 in order to be included in the ELCA annual summary. The ELCA will be shutting the system down on Monday, June 6, reports submitted after this date will not be included.
Please see the links below to access the report forms.
Parochial Reports Forms A & C for congregations are also due. Please make every effort to work with your leadership to complete the report and submit it by the date requested. You should have received information, including your congregation's ID number and password, from the Churchwide Offices of the ELCA. If you have not, please contact the Sacramento Office of the Bishop at info@spselca.org for assistance.
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 NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYNODAND BEYOND
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Dismantling Racism Workshop
Sponsored by the Racial and Ethnic Mission Strategies Discipling Team
Saturday, June 25, 2016
9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Christ Lutheran Church
780 Ashbury Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Registration Fee: $20
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Update from Madagascar
Greets from Antananarivo! We are coming into winter and its gotten a little chilly. I've been in turtlenecks and wool socks, not what you might think for a Tropical Island but living in the highlands keeps the temperatures a little cooler all year round.
I am attaching my official newsletter, Mada Matters. Feel free to share it widely and if you print it, it is actually only 2 pages of information, the third page (that I couldn't get rid of) is blank.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support! There is much happening in Madagascar and in the lives of the YAGM volunteers who come to live and work here. Your support helps to make this all positive and productive work!
Many Blessings!
Pastor Kirsten LADERACH
Country Coordinator - Madagascar
ELCA - Young Adults in Global Mission
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Sierra Pacific Synod Resource Center
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New Overtime Laws Could Affect Church Employees
The US Department of Labor announced that they have finalized a new law that has extended overtime benefits to nearly 4.2 million working Americans.
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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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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 H. Julian Gordy, Southeastern Synod, 05/27/16 - 05/29/16
Pr. David Peters (RT) for recovery following knee replacement surgery.
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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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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