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| Summer Blessings |
July 20, 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Our PO Box is no longer active.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, DEM and Assistant to the Bishop
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Dear ,
Pride Parade was a beautiful day in San Francisco that I truly enjoyed! It was tremendously enjoying basking in the sun, driving the parade route of downtown San Francisco in a convertible with Acting Bishop Nancy Nelson. I was swept to joyful enthusiasm as we participated with the huge crowds of humanity that were in full celebration. It was wonderfully uplifting to observe our sisters and brothers in full frolic and friskiness. I was moved to a great optimism observing the sights and sounds of cavorting humanity of all colors and genders gathered in interactive community, togetherness and unity! It was a day of pure joy!
I really want not to write any more words beyond that. Yet I am thankful to God for that day to remember my optimism for humanity. To remember that unique day as the current events of our world unfolded. Sadly, the Orlando mass shooting happened, then the continuing ongoing protest over police shootings of Black men in our nation, now exacerbated with the subsequent horror of retaliatory murder of police in Dallas and Baton Rouge, added to the terrible acts of violence and terrorism in Nice and around the globe which seem to occur unabated. Enough I say, Lord please enough!!
In my last contribution to our newsletter I offered these words of God from Genesis "So God created humanity in God's own image, in the image of God they were created; male and female God created them. And God blessed them..." as God calling us to examine the motives of our hearts in all that we think, say and do as a "Heart-Control" concern. We are called to "Love God" and to "Love your neighbor as yourself." I believe that when we love our neighbor as ourselves, when we do that, when we be that, when we are that - not if - then we have always, always found our way to be community that maintains the welfare of someone else as priority. Let's not forget that. As the momentum of our presidential elections carries us to November elections, let's not join in or support the rhetoric of hate for the other person that has become language staple of the campaign. We are called by God, and I truly believe it to be so that we want to, to stay united in love, in communication striving to evolve to be the people God would have us to be. The conversation of race, of shooting and violence and how do we eradicate these elements from our lives is difficult conversation, but it needs to happen, and it needs to continue, and it needs go deeper to the root of our problems. Even as difficult as a conversation such as this one is, it eminently will gain more for all than a bullet. We need each other. A bullet is not the answer. We want to never forget we are Children of God called to love the most unlovable. This day with which God has blessed my life, in the wake of the crescendo of the latest current events, I remember the optimism I experienced during the Pride Parade, and I again offer the words I finished my last newsletter contribution with: Beloved Children of God, the valuing and human life requires we assiduously maintain respect for the humanity of every person, including her or his identity as a creation of God made in God's own image. In "Heart-Control" my Sisters and Brothers, as people of God, as Christians, and especially as we live into "We Are Church Together", we are in the business of sanctioning priority and sacredness of and for the preserving of human life...Peace.
Carlton Monroe
Assistant to the Bishop and DEM
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The Village at Squaw Valley, Olympic Valley, CA
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
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ELCA Members to Gather in New Orleans for 2016 Churchwide Assembly
Members of the ELCA will gather Aug. 8-13 in assembly at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Meeting under the theme "Freed and Renewed in Christ: 500 Years of God's Grace in Action," the assembly's business will include preparations for observing the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.
The assembly - the highest legislative body of the ELCA - will be comprised of 980 voting members serving on behalf of the 3.7 million members of the ELCA. The ELCA's 65 synods elect voting members to serve at churchwide assemblies.
"Churchwide assemblies are a combination of legislative sessions, worship, Bible study, theological reflection and fellowship," said the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop. "We deliberate and discuss and vote. Some would say that it is a messy way to do the work of the church, but [it] is a wonderfully open process."
As part of planning for the Reformation observance, non-voting members are invited to attend the Grace Gathering, Aug. 10-13. Participants will experience the assembly proceedings and also prepare for 500th anniversary observances within their congregations and synods. "God's Grace in Action Afternoon" will offer experiential learning on several topics to inspire participants to take action back home, including: Music, Justice and Peace; From the Doctrine of Discovery to #BlackLivesMatter; Human Trafficking; Care of Creation; and Food Security.
"Often members of congregations are not aware of the scope of the wider church," said Eaton. The Grace Gathering will give even more of our people the opportunity to see the whole church at work. We can do a lot more together than we can do separately. And, close to 2,000 Lutherans singing is a heavenly sound." Along with voting members, hundreds more will participate in the assembly as ELCA congregational observers, special ecumenical guests and global leaders, presidents of the eight ELCA seminaries and 26 college and universities, advisory and resource members, staff and others.
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Luther's Small Catechism is now available as a free mobile app from Augsburg Fortress!
At the Churchwide Assembly and Grace Gathering this August, ELCA members and congregations will be invited to engage Martin Luther's catechisms in renewed study and conversation during the months leading up to October 31, 2017.
The English Small Catechism and Spanish El Catecismo Menor de Lutero are both included in a free mobile app. Content from the Study Edition is available as an in-app purchase.
Available on the App Store and on Google Play.
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Topics include: Livestream the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Join the ELCA Federal Credit Union, 12 steps for being safer online, How to care for stained glass and more!
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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
Installation:
Pr. Ben Colahan - August 13, 2016, 11:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church, Chico, CA
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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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STARTING SMART WEBINAR SERIES
THE 5 W'S OF GETTING YOUR NONPROFIT STARTED WITH SOCIAL MEDIA
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CDT
$20
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know social media is important and it isn't going anywhere. However, if you are a small or new organization, social media feels less like a "great opportunity" and more like a "great thing to make the intern do if he has time." Bits of time here and there are spent cobbling together a digital presence ... a digital presence you're not even sure is having an impact. Well, cobble no more! In this webinar, we'll share how to get a solid footing with your social media strategy so that it will actually communicate your message without overwhelming your staff (or lack thereof). At the end of this webinar, you'll walk away with: - The 5 W's of Social Media Strategy
- An understanding of how to make the most of limited time and staff
- The three next steps your organization is going to take that week
Register Here
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November Ballot Recommendations from the Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California
The Policy Council of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California made additional recommendations on Nov. ballot measures at its meeting July 16, at the Southwest California Synod Office in Glendale. The Policy Council had previously decided to support the elimination of the death penalty (YES on 62), oppose the acceleration of the death penalty (NO on 66), and support the ban on most retail plastic bags adopted by the Legislature and Governor (YES on 67). It was decided that these measures are high priority for LOPP-CA, along with support for the extension of the personal income tax rates on wealthy taxpayers (YES on 55), and support for Governor Brown's criminal justice sentencing reform initiative (YES on 57). Information on support, opposition, or no position on others in the list of 17 propositions will be provided later.
Please schedule ballot proposition education events now. LOPP-CA Director Mark Carlson is available on some Sundays, as well as other times, through the election. LOPP-CA Summer Ballot Measure/ELCAvotes! Associate, Ben Hogue, is available on Sundays in August, except for 8/14. Lutheran social statements on the Death Penalty, Criminal Justice, Health Care, Education, and Care for Creation are available at www.elca.org/socialstatements
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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.
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.
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 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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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
March 11, 2017
Rwanda Connections Meeting
Lutheran Church of the Master, Sacramento
May 3, 2017
Synod Council Meeting
Fresno
May 4 - 6, 2017
Synod Assembly
Fresno
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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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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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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