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| Summer Blessings |
July 13, 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Our PO Box is no longer active.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 Nancy Feniuk Nelson, Acting Bishop
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Dear ,
As you know too well, we have been through (another) terrible week of violence and upheaval, protest and lament, grief and fear. I am without words .... or, at least, I am without new or original words that I believe will help foster or further the conversation. And so I offer you a compilation of a few statements or ideas you might not have seen or heard from others.
First, from our Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton. "We are killing ourselves, and until we in the white community feel that the death of a person of color is our death too, it's not going to change. ... In the days ahead, we must consider how we might join together, and with ecumenical partners, to dismantle systems and structures that perpetuate hatred and violence in church and society. ... But in this moment, our calling is to a ministry of presence. A ministry of "showing up" with each other and especially with the members of our congregations and the people in our communities.
Last Friday, Bp. Eaton lived out the idea of showing up via worship at The Lutheran Center in Chicago. I watched the livestream and was helped by having done so. If you missed it, go to www.elca.org/blacklivesmatter to watch the recording. The site also has a number of other resources that might be of help to you and/or your congregation.
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A question that arises out of these events is "Beyond praying, what can I do?" I offer the following from ELCA Advocacy: Today, all of our ELCA Advocacy staff grieve with our church and nation for this tragic loss of life, the repeated reminders of the wounds of racism, fear and injustice and our own complicity in their infliction. Bishop Eaton has called on ELCA ministries and members to be present in our communities in the wake of this and any violence; to accompany protesters, law enforcement, and any who are frightened, despairing or searching for hope. The Gospel calls us to be present, to show up in the places of pain. Here, under the shadow of the cross, is where Jesus promises he will meet us to be present with us through mercy, hope and transformation to new life.
ELCA Advocacy offers resources and guidance for our church to tend to the wounds of our neighbor and society by taking action to address racism, reduce violence and build healthy, safe and resilient communities through public policy advocacy. In addition to serving our neighbors by addressing hunger and poverty, we invite you to take part in opportunities listed below to make your voice heard on violence and racism.
Finally, dear friends and siblings in Christ, take time for prayer. And for telling someone you love what they mean to you. Be gentle with your selves and with those around you. Assume the best about others. And remember that you are not alone. There is nothing in this world that can separate you from the love of Christ Jesus.
Peace,
Nancy Feniuk Nelson
Acting Bishop
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Get Ready - Registration Opens July 18!
2016 Rostered Women's Retreat Dean's Gathering
October 17 - 18, 2016
2016 Professional Leaders Conference
October 18 - 20, 2016
Reformation Past, Present and Future
The Village at Squaw Valley, Olympic Village
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Stewardship Discipling Team July Council Devotions
Generous People Living God's Love "by" Trusting God
Trusting God allows us to live in abundance. When we trust God, we are able to relinquish control of our lives to Her. When we are trusting God, we don't have to be afraid. We can make mistakes. We can fail and know that we are forgiven and loved. We can take risks. We can be attuned to the needs of those around us.
Trusting that God forgives us, we more easily forgive each other and are freed from the tyranny of resentment. Trusting that God loves us, we more blessedly love each other, delighting in the joy of sharing our lives with each other. Trusting that God provides for us, we more generously care for each other, helping each of us meet our daily needs.
And yet some days, we struggle to allow God to love us. To find that courage, we pray:
Dear Loving God,
We yearn for the abundance you offer us, and still we sometimes resist trusting you. Give us the courage to trust you and your love so that we might obey your great commandment to love one another with gratitude and joy. Amen.
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ELCA presiding bishop responds to shootings in Baton Rouge and St. Paul
In a July 7 video message responding to the shooting deaths of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, La., and Philando Castile in suburban St. Paul, Minn., the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), urged members to "be present in our communities."
"We are killing ourselves, and until we in the white community feel that the death of a person of color is our death too, it's not going to change," said Eaton.
On Friday, July 8, the ELCA live streamed a service of prayer and lament from the offices of the churchwide organization over the loss of lives due to gun violence and racism. A recording of the worship service is available for those who were unable to view it live.
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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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Dear ELCA World Hunger Leaders and Friends,
Blessings to you all as we journey into the summer season filled with VBS, picnics and many other joyous gatherings. We are excited to bring to you the June edition of the Go and Do News.
In this edition, we are pleased to begin introducing you to the ELCA World Hunger 2016 summer interns, bring you information on AMMPARO, ELCA World Hunger Toolkits, how ELCA World Hunger will be a part of both the Grace Gathering and 2016 Churchwide Assembly and more.
Peace, The ELCA World Hunger Team
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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.
The response period runs through August 2017.
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 NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYNODAND BEYOND
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ROSTERED LEADER CELEBRATIONS
Congratulations to Pr. Karen Bloomquist, whose book Seeing-Remember-Connection: Subversive Practices for Being Church was published this year. Two discussions will be held this summer, Thursday July 28, 11:30-2:00 and Thursday August 11, 7-9, both on the Oakland estuary at Phoenix Commons, 340 29th Ave. Download an excerpt on her website.
Jean Lebbert (1992) has co-authored a book with her sister, Janet Venerella, a Practitioner of Religious Sciences. A Positive Approach: Freeing the Ten Commandments from Negative Language offers a 21st century version of the laws for Divine Living along with discussions that make the book a good teaching text and brief affirmations so that it may also be used for prayer and meditation. The book is available on Amazon.
Congratulations to Pr. Susan Strouse (1st United, SF), whose book The INTRAfaith Conversation: How Do Christians Talk Among Ourselves About INTERfaith Matters? was recently published.
Pastor Susan is also available to facilitate workshops, retreats, and other discussion groups. You can contact her through her website.
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Do you have other Celebrations (installations, ordinations, book publishings, etc.) that you'd like listed in this column? Feel free to submit them to our enewsletter editor, Kathye Hamm.
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Godly Play Foundation Core Training 
When: August 11-13, 2016
Where: Church of the Incarnation, Santa Rosa 550 Mendocino Ave.
Cost: Standard Registration (until July 14): $295;
Late Registration: $360
For information about local accommodations, please contact host Daphne Vernon.
Scholarships are available.
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This spring, Portico representatives brought this wellness reformation invitation to synod assemblies, visiting with thousands of plan members, lay voting members, and other leaders. And people responded enthusiastically, with many working harder to establish healthier lives. If you missed us at synod assembly, it's not too late to join in. We encourage you to put these popular resources to use in your organization.
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Gun Violence Prevention
For all our readers in greater Sacramento and northern California:
Do you or a congregation of which you are a part support gun control? We have received word from a representative from the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, Episcopal Church, of a newly formed group related to Gun Violence Prevention. If you are interested in exploring that possibility, please contact either the Episcopal rep Marcia Tyriver or Miriam Casey, a Lutheran from our synod who is already involved.
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Camp Noah Helps Lake County Fire Victims Rebuild
 Victims of the fires in Lake and Calaveras Counties last September are still tremendously in need of support. In addition to the shock and trauma of surviving a fire, families and children need help to process what happened, and rebuild their lives.
Camp Noah, a program of Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, is a nationally acclaimed preparedness and resiliency day camp for elementary children in communities impacted by disaster and/or crisis. Camp Noah is currently in Lake County, CA to help children process their emotions and provide support.
During Camp Noah, a team of certified camp staff accompanies campers through an intentional process that enables the children to process their disaster and/or trauma experiences and gives them the space and time necessary to tell their stories and build resiliency skills. Campers participate in small groups, large group time (including music, skits and puppet shows), crafts, and recreation time. Learn more about Camp Noah.
LSS of Northern California is part of the Lutheran Disaster Response Network. LSS responds to disasters by assisting in long term rebuilding efforts. You can donate to fire relief efforts on our website. All proceeds go directly towards helping fire victims rebuild their homes.
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Big Changes Are Coming to Overtime Laws in December
It's official. Sweeping new overtime rules were announced recently, affecting millions of U.S. workers. Among the biggest changes: doubling the salary threshold for employees to qualify as exempt - or not entitled to overtime - to more than $47,000 a year.
According to the federal government, employers now have until December 1 of this year to implement them.
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SPS BULLETIN BOARD
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"God's Work. Our Hands."
September 11, 2016
Plan now to enter the contest!
It is time to start planning your congregation's projects for "God's Work. Our Hands." Day .
There are two categories: video and narrative. The winning congregation in each category will have the honor of having a $100.00 gift made to ELCA Good Gifts in their name.
1.Your congregation submits either a written narrative or a video of its "God's Work. Our Hands." Project, along with an entry form, which will be available in late August, as well as instructions for submitting your video. Each congregation is limited to one submission, either a video or a narrative. Deadline: October 15, 2016. 2. The narratives and videos are posted on the Sierra Pacific Synod website, where you will vote for your favorite. Deadline: December 15, 2016.
3. We tally the votes and announce a winner, sometime in early 2017.
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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!
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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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We Remember in Prayer...
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Bishop Mark Holmerud as he is on sabbatical.
Pr. Don Larson, Interim, St. Philip Carmel, for gall bladder surgery Thursday morning.
Pr. Lyn Crase (Emanuel, Modesto) on the death of her husband, Robert.
Rev. Nicholas Brie recovering from a major stroke.
Pr. Bob Grochau, retired, who has entered hospice care at Forest Hill Manor in Pacific Grove. Cards are welcome.
Barbara Schaefer, wife of Pr. Marty Schaefer (ret.), El Cerrito, as she moves from hormone therapy to chemotherapy before breast cancer surgery in the fall.
Pr. Paul Theiss, following a stem cell transplant to extend his remission from multiple myeloma, and his wife Nancy Satterford as she cares for him.
Pr. Dani Fey for ongoing illness.
The safety of those who are affected by and helping to put out the wild fires.
Places and people living in areas of violence and uncertainty. We remember especially Iraq, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Turkey, Saudi Arabia which have experienced bombings in recent weeks.
We pray for all who lay their lives on the line daily in the hope of protecting people, property and freedoms. We ask a special measure of comfort for those who grieve the deaths of fire-fighters here in California and police officers around the country who have been targeted simply because of the uniform they wore and the badges they carried.
We confess and lament our willingness to judge the motives and actions of many based on the behavior of a few.
Those in Dallas, Minneapolis, Baton Rouge, Orlando and all people affected by gun violence.
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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July 2016
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Congregations in Transition
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"God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday"
Sunday, Sept. 11,2016 is
"God's work. Our hands." Sunday.
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June 26 - July 24, 2016
July 18 - 22, 2016
Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago
July 28, 2016
August 25, 2016
September 15, 2016
Sacramento Area
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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Synod Calendar
Events and Meetings
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July 18, 2016
Professional Leaders Conference
Registration Opens
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
January 27 - 28, 2017
Synod Council Meeting
Sacramento Office of the Bishop
January 31 - February 1, 2017
Dean's Retreat
Christ the King Center, Citrus Heights
February 2017
Synod Council Meeting
Sacramento Office of the Bishop
February 24 - 26, 2107
SPSYC High School Retreat
Mt. Cross
May 3, 2017
Synod Council Meeting
Fresno
May 4 - 6, 2017
Synod Assembly
Fresno
March 11, 2017
Rwanda Connections Meeting
Lutheran Church of the Master, Sacramento
June 23 - 24, 2017
Synod Council Meeting
Sacramento Office of the Bishop
June 28 - July 2, 2017
Western States Youth Gathering
California Lutheran University
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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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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