SIERRA PACIFIC SYNOD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Spring Blessings        
        June 15, 2016 
 
Our PO Box is no longer active.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

In This Issue
A message from Nancy Feniuk Nelson, Acting Bishop

Dear , 
 
These past few days have been quite a roller-coaster.  Another assembly is history. (Satisfying, exhausting).  Bp. Mark has left for 2 months of sabbatical (happy for him).  I've had to change the title under my name (vaguely terrifying).  And family who has lived in Pacific Grove for the past two years moved to Kathmandu (grateful for safe travel; sad to see them go).  All this in my little corner of the world.   I would have been perfectly content simply staying focused on my stuff for a while.  But that's not how things work.

I saw the news first on my iPad:  50 people killed, 53 injured in Orlando.  That led to reading more detail, watching the news, listening to President Obama react, and praying, and crying.  I felt rage, sympathy, empathy, outrage and powerlessness.  For lack of a better option, I posted a few things on Facebook that at least helped me say something about this heinous event to a larger community - my community. 

I know that you, as a reader of this e-newsletter, join me in denouncing this act.  Thou shalt not kill.  Do unto others.  Love one another as I have loved you. 

I also know that our agreement with one another might end right there.  We may have differing views on gun control, gun safety, the availability of assault weapons and which level of our government has or should have the ability to control any or all of the above.  We may have differing views on whether this was an act of domestic terrorism. We might even disagree about which candidates provide reasonable responses or articulate attainable goals specific to gun violence in our country. 

All of that is okay ... even good.  We need to have our common ground (God loves us so we can love each other) and we need our diversity of opinion (I believe that might be what makes us "salty" people of faith.) 

But the killing has to stop.  In the midst of feeling sad or angry or immobilized or helpless, we need to stop the hating, stop the blaming, stop the killing. These are beloved children of God: the ones who died, the ones who are injured, the ones who mourn, the ones who kill - all beloved children of God.  And the killing is evil.

What comes to mind is a saying I thought belonged to Luther.  Turns out it is attributed to Saint Augustine:  Pray as though everything depended on God.  Work as though everything depended on you. 

I like that advice.  It is neither passive nor aggressive.  It is both faithful and action-based.  We are co-creators with our God.  We are redeemed by our Savior.  We are strengthened and inspired by the Spirit.  And the world needs us to behave as if we believe it.  I beg of you.  Let's go change the world, in the name of our Triune God, praying as we go, for mercy, for courage, for wisdom.

Peace,
Nancy Feniuk Nelson
Acting Bishop



If you attended the Assembly, please give your feedback about the 29th Annual SPS Assembly as well as the Churchwide Report Video. Thank you for your help in making Assembly the best it can be!
 
 
These glasses were found at Assembly. 


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 


STEWARDSHIP DISCIPLING TEAM 
JUNE COUNCIL DEVOTIONS

Generous People Living God's Love 
by Working Together

One's life tells a story. The telling of one's life as a story more times than not is an offering of many experiences lived and the subsequent lessons learned. This is particularly true in the story of "The Good Samaritan." The story of "The Good Samaritan" told through scripture teaches us that the Samaritan gives himself, his time and his possessions. Let's not perceive a false comparison of the Samaritan's gifts as though one gift is more important or more readily given than the other. The Samaritan does not hesitate in his giving with sentiments of "I have time to give, but no money", or "Here take my stuff, but don't bother me."
 
The Samaritan gives of himself in a very personal way. Cleaning wounds, bearing another's beaten body, tending to that person's recovery is about as personal a gift as one could give. The Samaritan does not begrudge the giving of his time - time of at least a day, but more than likely it was several days. The Samaritan does not grumble while sharing the precious possessions that he has - they too are freely given; wine, oil, bandages, transport and money.
 
Have you ever found it easier to give your time than money? Is it easier to your give money than time? Life and the world happening all about us, our busy schedules and/or our financial situations often times influence our decision processes in either giving. Yet Jesus asks us to give both time and treasure...and more! Jesus invites you and I to share a portion of all that we have received! How are you sharing your time, your talents and your treasures? Prayerfully, our lives tell a story very similar to "The Good Samaritan! Prayerfully, the lessons our lives will teach ourselves and others is that we are generous people, living God's love by working together simply because "We are Church Together"!

NEWS FROM THE ELCA
New ELCA Federal Credit Union opens

The ELCA Federal Credit Union, the new credit union of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 6 at its headquarters in The Lutheran Center in Chicago. This is the first credit union chartered by the National Credit Union Administration to open in Illinois in 10 years. The institution will serve ELCA members, congregations and ELCA-related ministries and their employees.
"We're so excited to be offering this new opportunity for all of our members and those affiliated ministries around the country," said the Rev. Arnold Pierson, president of the ELCA Federal Credit Union. "Our prime responsibility is to be able to offer all members of the church a socially responsible way to connect their financial services."

The ELCA credit union supports the ELCA's mission to promote wise stewardship of members' and congregations' financial resources, based on the ELCA's social statement on economic life, "Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All." The statement, adopted by the 1999 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, expresses ELCA teaching that economic activity is a means through which God's will is served for the thriving and wellbeing of humankind and the care of the earth.
 
In her remarks during the opening ceremony, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton compared the credit union to services offered by many payday lending institutions.

"The ELCA Federal Credit Union is responsible stewardship. It makes services available to everyone. It's socially responsible and is a great benefit not only to members of the ELCA churchwide organization but to all our members across the church," said Eaton.

The ELCA Mission Investment Fund, a financial ministry of the ELCA, was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the creation of the ELCA Federal Credit Union and securing the charter approval by the National Credit Union Administration. The fund specializes in church building projects.
"I'm very proud today to be a part of the ELCA and part of an institution that had the vision to create a credit union for its employees, its members and ministries," said Eva Roby, president and chief executive officer of the ELCA Mission Investment Fund. "It's been thrilling to participate in the creation of this fourth financial ministry of the ELCA."

Besides the credit union and Mission Investment Fund, the other two ELCA financial ministries are the Endowment Fund of the ELCA, a pooled fund made available through the ELCA Foundation to all ELCA entities; and Portico Benefits Services, which provides benefits and services to enhance the well-being of ELCA rostered leaders and lay employees.

The ELCA social statement "Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All" is available here.

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.

Learn more and register visit www.ELCA.org/GraceGathering.

Stay up-to-date on gathering news by going to the 2016 Grace Gathering event on Facebook!

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. 



NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYNOD
AND BEYOND

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary of California Lutheran University is honored to welcome Prof. Men�ndez-Antu�a to the faculty as Assistant Professor of New Testament.


San Francisco Pride Parade 
Dear Friends in Christ,
 
It's June!!! Time is flying by.  Please mark your calendars and schedules for Sunday, June 26th for the 2016 San Francisco Pride Parade Celebration. This year's theme is Pride for Racial and Economic Justice.  
 
We had a great group last year and would love to have an even larger group this year from congregations and ministries in the synod walking in the San Francisco Pride Parade Sunday, June 26th with our local ReconcilingWorks chapter, the ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod Acting Bishop Nancy Feniuk Nelson, as well as other RIC churches, and inclusive groups.  Our group contingent "ReconcilingWorks" has requested to move up closer to the middle of the parade this year. Each time we march it's an opportunity to touch hearts and this year to join in support of racial and economic justice. It's rewarding all around for the contingent participants and the parade viewers from the sidelines as seen by their smiles and willingness to stay and watch till the very end.  Please, consider joining us to make an even larger impact. Come walk the talk of welcome!!
 
Parade participants can meet with ReconcilingWorks in the Parade lineup on Sunday morning.   **Specific information will be provided when we receive our placement in the parade, a few days prior.  We'll make our way down Market Street spreading welcome and inclusion for everyone!
 
*Dress comfortably for the parade, you will be walking 10 blocks
*Wear sunscreen, a hat, and have water
*There is no parking, take public transportation
 
Let us know if you can make it so we can keep you updated on the gathering time and place. 
Hope to see you on Sunday, June 26th!  
 
For more information on the SF Pride Parade go to: 
 
Join the Sierra Pacific Chapter of ReconcilingWorks on Facebook for late-breaking updates on parade day.

2016 Professional Leaders Conference 
October 18 - 20, 2016
Reformation Past, Present and Future
The Village at Squaw Valley, Olympic Village
 
Registration Opens in July!
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!  

 
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.
 
Visit levn.org or contact Program Director Casey Kloehn at 530-756-1550 or [email protected] for more information!

Stay connected with us:

 
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Staff Listing
Mark W. Holmerud, Bishop
Nancy Feniuk Nelson, Acting Bishop
We Remember in Prayer...
The following Bishops and synods as they gather in Assembly:
Bishop Steven Talmage, Grand Canyon Synod, 06/16/16 - 06/17/16
Bishop Gary Wollersheim, Northern Illinois Synod, 06/16/16 - 06/18/16
Bishop Ralph Jones, Northwestern Pennsylvania synod, 06/16/16 - 06/18/16
Bishop Samuel Zeiser, Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, 06/17/16 - 06/18/16
Bishop Kurt Kusserow, Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, 06/17/16 - 06/18/16
Bishop Robert Driesen, Upper Susquehanna Synod, 06/17/16 - 06/18/16
Bishop Richard Graham, Metropolitan Washington, DC Synod, 06/18/16 - 06/18/16

The Northern Illinois Synod and the Upper Susquehanna Synod as they hold bishop elections.

Bishop Mark Holmerud as he is on sabbatical.

Pr. Greg Schaefer (University, Palo Alto) and all who mourn the death of his Uncle Vince.

Pr. Tuhina Rasche (Grace, Palo Alto) and husband Karl, at the death of Karl's father.

Pr David Schick (Immanuel, Los Altos) for medical tests.

Pr. Stan Niemi (Interim Ministry) following a stroke.

Pr. Nicolas Brie (RT) following a stroke

Ruth Niemi (spouse of Pr. Jack Niemi, Hope, Rossmoor) hospitalized.

Pr. David Peters (RT) for recovery following knee replacement surgery.

Pr. Dani Fey for ongoing illness.

The family of the 2 year old attacked by an alligator in Orlando, FL.

Those who lost their lives in Orlando FL, those who are recovering from their injuries, for the families and loved ones, for the people of Orlando as they struggle to make sense of violence in their midst.

All involved in the Coleman Fire near King City, and a prayer of thanksgiving for the service of Grace Lutheran as an evacuation center.

Those around the world who are fleeing terror and violence; that they find compassion and welcome as they seek refuge.

Second Mile Giving


June 2016
Congregations in Transition
Upcoming Events
"God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday"

Sunday, Sept. 11,2016 is  
"God's work. Our hands." Sunday.
The deadline for ordering personalized t-shirts is Aug. 19 at Old Lutheran.com
Visit ELCA.org/dayofservice for the 2016 toolkit and more.
Upcoming Workshops
Free Tickets for the in person event
CLU

June 26 - July 24, 2016

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM)2016 Region 4 Conference
July 14-16, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church, Sacramento, CA

Lessons from the World of the MBA
Monday, July 18-22, 2016
CLU

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

REFORMATION 500 in the Sierra Pacific Synod

REFORMATION 500
These are not official Synod events, we hope you'll find this information useful as you plan for the 500th anniversary.
May 17-24, 2017

Dr. Peter Erlenwein
May 20 - 21, 2016
St. Matthew's, San Francisco


Synod Calendar

Events and Meetings

  

June 24 - 25, 2016
Synod Council Meeting
Sacramento Office of the Bishop

June 25, 2016
Dismantling Racism Workshop
Christ Lutheran, El Cerrito
Click here to register

August 26-27, 2016
Candidacy Committee Meeting
PLTS, Berkeley

September 17, 2016
Fall Online Synod and Conference Gatherings
Ascension Lutheran, Citrus Heights
Our Savior's Lutheran, Lafayette
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran, Merced
Grace Lutheran, Palo Alto

September 23 - 24, 2016
Synod Council Meeting
Sacramento Office of the Bishop

October 14 - 16, 2106
SPSYC Elementary School Retreat
Mt. Cross

October 17 - 18, 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.
Quick Links
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The Sierra Pacific Synod

9985 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA  95827-6628

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Click here to visit our website www.spselca.org

Office of the Bishop, Sacramento
Office of the Bishop, Bay Area

Office of the Bishop, Fresno
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