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Bishop Mark Holmerud as he transitions from sabbatical to Churchwide Assembly.
Those attending the ELCA Churchwide Assembly and Grace Gathering in New Orleans this week, especially the voting members from the Sierra Pacific Synod: Bishop Mark W. Holmerud, Vice President Elaine Whitney, Ms. Amanda Briggs (ELCA Church Council member), Pr. Clark Brown, Pr. Cindy Carroll, Ms. Pat Cash, Pr. Elizabeth Ekdale (ELCA Church Council Member), Ms. Gail Kiyomura, Ms. Linda Lownes, Ms. Emma Northcott, Pr. Tuhina Rasche, Mr. Stephen Rosendale, Mr. Andrew Stevens, Pr. Patricia Vargas, and Mr. James White.
Pr. Mark Dunbar, Faith, Elko, who is recovering from surgery and preparing for ongoing treatment.
Comfort for all those who mourn the death of Pastor Nicolas Brie, retired, who died on August 5. He had been in hospice care in Healdsburg. Services are pending and details will be forthcoming.
Pr Deb Butler (Hope, El Sobrante), for severely injured ankle and knee (coming shortly after hip surgery).
Pr Gail Cromack, retired, recovering from back surgery.
Comfort for all those who mourn the death of Pastor Roy Blumhorst, retired, who died July 29.
Continued comfort and healing for Revs. Grochau, Theiss and Fey.
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, both locally and globally.
Those around the world who are fleeing terror and violence; that they find compassion and welcome as they seek refuge.
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Congregations in Transition
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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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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
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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
February 27-28, 2017
Annual Retired Pastors Retreat
San Damiano, CA
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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Newsletter Submissions
Please submit any newsletter requests to
by Thursday at 5:00 pm
Thank you!
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A message from
Nancy Feniuk Nelson, Bishop's Associate
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So I have to start by saying that I am more than a little intrigued and amused by the new global phenomenon Pokemon Go. For the uninitiated, it is a game played on a mobile device. Pokemon are little creatures that can "evolve" into more powerful creatures. Some people use them to do battle, but mostly it seems people are into looking for them and "capturing" them. My understanding is that it was initially intended to get people off their butts and out into the actual outdoors. Nearly everyone is playing it nearly everywhere- or so it seems.
Maybe you've heard about it on the news - people have been harmed, and most recently, killed, while playing the game - certainly a reminder that the world continues to be a risky place. But as I observe people playing it, I am taken back to when my son was little. He was an avid collector and trader of Pokemon cards. This latest fad reminds me of childhood innocence and it makes me smile to see the little guys again.
I wondered aloud to my son (home for a tonsillectomy!) if we could figure out how to make a Christian version of Pokemon Go. He was skeptical, but I'm still thinking.
At the very least, it seems to me there is a significant connection between a very complex and deeply troubling time in our world today and the popularity of a game that invites people into an alternative world in which they travel in groups of two or three, share their successes, help each other out and have fun being together. I don't think it is simply escapism. I think it speaks to basic human needs. And I'm pretty sure we can all learn from that. In the meanwhile, I'm thinking about having my son teach me how to play before he leaves.
Peace,
Nancy Feniuk Nelson, Bishop's Associate
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Reformation: Past, Present and Future
Keynote Speaker
The Rev. Dr. Kirsi Stjerna, Chair, Lutheran
History and Theology.
Dr. Stjerna is a
professor at PLTS and the second person to hold
this chair in Lutheran history and theology.
Dr. Stjerna is a native of Finland, an ordained
pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America and of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
of Finland.
2016 Rostered Women's Retreat Dean's Gathering
October 17 - 18, 2016
2016 Professional Leaders Conference
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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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Stewardship Discipling Team August Council Devotions
Generous People Living God's Love "by" Remembering who we are as God's People
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; 2but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.3They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
Psalm 1:1-3
Several years ago, when my oldest son was still in High School, I was in the sacristy getting ready for Sunday worship. My son entered and informed me that he had not slept the night before and was scheduled to work the 1-10 shift at the local mini-mart. He was seeking permission to go home and nap before work.
I was sympathetic with his predicament but I wanted him to make the choice of which path to follow. He obviously knew he was expected in worship and yet he also wanted to sleep. I did not say no but I also did not say yes. My son did not want me to choose for him but I was to choose the option he wanted. So we bantered back and forth until he stated that if I made him stay in church he would sleep through the service. I responded by saying that if he did stay God would honor him. He stayed.
My son took a seat in the front row of the balcony where he knew I would see him but the congregation would not. He did stay awake throughout the whole service. After all was done at the church I drove him to work (his car was in need of repair). At 10 pm I went to pick him up and asked if God had kept the promise. He responded that God did in fact come through...
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ELCA 2016 Churchwide Assembly gathers under theme 'Freed and Renewed in Christ'
Lifting up the central Lutheran theme of God's grace in action through God's church, members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are gathering under the theme, "Freed and Renewed in Christ: 500 Years of God's Grace in Action."
The assembly - the highest legislative body of the ELCA - is meeting Aug. 8-13 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The assembly will also include preparations for observing the 500thanniversary of the Reformation in 2017.
In her remarks at the opening plenary, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop, said, "We have come here after a difficult summer overwhelmed by violence and heartache. Now more than ever, we are in need of the Holy Spirit's presence in our midst. I pray that we will surround one another in prayer and love while we are together to do God's work at this assembly."
A key action of the assembly is consideration of the Word and Service task force recommendations that the three rosters of church lay leadership be unified into a single body known as deacons. The Rev. William O. Gafkjen, bishop of the ELCA Indiana-Kentucky Synod, chair of the ELCA Conference of Bishops and chair of the Word and Service Task Force, introduced the recommendation.
"The spirit of this common commitment of ours undergirds the recommendation from our Church Council that we combine three current lay rosters of Associates in Ministry, Deaconesses and Diaconal Ministers into one, new roster of ministers of Word and Service to be called deacons," said Gafkjen.
"This is an 'adaptive' change. It's rooted in what we believe and think about who we are and how we live and work together for the sake of God's mission in the world," said Gafkjen. "It's about how we are equipped and called to live and serve together as God's cross-marked Spirit-sealed believers, bearers and 'embodiers' of good news, the best news, in a torn, tumultuous and terrified world. This is about Jesus Christ crucified and risen for the life of the world."
During the plenary, the assembly received an update on the ELCA's first major fundraising campaign, Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. Approved by the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the campaign seeks to raise $198 million to help extend the ministries of this church.
Christina Jackson-Skelton, executive director of ELCA Mission Advancement, reported that as of June 30, - 29 months into the campaign - the ELCA has received $92 million dollars in cash and multi-year commitments. In addition to these funds, Jackson-Skelton reported that members have made planned-gift commitments totaling $21 million - gift commitments that will extend the impact of this campaign many years into the future.
In closing her report, Jackson-Skelton offered the assembly "a word of deep gratitude to God for you. Your generosity and vision inspire us, and it is our privilege to be working beside you on behalf of this church to make all things new through Christ."
The Rev. Ronald Glusenkamp, director for the ELCA Campaign, told the assembly, "Since the last churchwide assembly in 2013, we have called upon many ELCA members, pastors, congregations, bishops, synods and lay leaders to join us in this journey to the finish line. Already, we have witnessed amazing generosity and support leading to incredible growth across our church."
Emphasizing that "together we can do more," Glusenkamp told those gathered about the ministries impacted by gifts from ELCA congregations and synods.
"These gifts come in all shapes and sizes - big, small and in between. We know that Jesus receives these, blesses them and the impact is multiplied," said Glusenkamp.
Among other key actions that the 980 voting members of the assembly will consider include:
- Electing an ELCA vice president. Carlos Peņa, the current vice president, has decided not to seek a third term. Pena has served for 13 years.
- Voting on the recommendations for the ELCA Strategy to Accompany Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO).
- Considering the "Declaration on the Way," a document that draws on 50 years of Lutheran-Catholic dialogue in preparation for the Reformation anniversary.
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Churchwide Assembly
August 8 - 13, 2016
Follow on social media: #elcacwa and #elcagg
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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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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.
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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Is Campus Ministry for You? 
If you are a young adult, or if you know of a young adult who is looking for a community of friends and a way to express faith, consider campus ministry. Campus Ministry seeks to strengthen and support young adults as they learn and grow.
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News from around the Synod and Beyond
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ROSTERED LEADER CELEBRATIONS
Installation: Pr. Ben Colahan - August 13, 2016, 11:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church, Chico, CA
Anniversaries: This is the 20th Anniversary of Pastor Peggy White at St John Lutheran, Sunnyvale. A newly minted PLTS graduate, she came to work on July 1, 1996, was ordained July 28th and officially installed August 11th as our Pastor. We will celebrate her many talents and blessings following worship on August 14th.
University Lutheran Church in Palo Alto is celebrating its first 50 years of ministry! After the first worship service in 1965, the congregation was organized in 1966, ground was broken in 1967, and the buildings were dedicated in 1968. If you have had any involvement in UniLu over the years, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at office@UniLu.Church. Appointment: Pr. Casey Kloehn (The Belfry / LEVN, UC Davis) was recently appointed to serve as one of 30 ELCA young adult members of the Lutheran World Federation Global Young Reformers. Congratulations Pr. Kloehn! ******************************************* 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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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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Many Voices, One Song: A Conference on Music and Liturgy
September 23 & 24, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church
1701 L Street, Sacramento
The event begins Friday evening and continues all day Saturday. Registration form and payment are due by
Wednesday, September 14, 2016, to ensure your lunch and registration.
The conference is designed to encourage our Episcopal and ELCA congregations to employ more of the wonderful diversity of musical possibilities for worship. Workshops will range from choir development to the use of percussion in worship to musical options for congregations without musical staff or choir.
The featured keynote speaker is noted ELCA composer and church musician Dr. David Cherwien
Sponsored by the Worship for Baptismal Living Discipling Team
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Grace in the Public Square: Area Ministry Strategies
Members of congregations in the Sierra Pacific Synod interested in expanding ministry in their community are invited to attend a day of renewal with Pastor Stephen Bouman, Executive Director, Domestic Mission Unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Dr. Bouman will be sharing his insights , and engaging conversation about, "Grace in the Public Square: Area Ministry Strategies", Saturday, September 10, from 10-3 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1650 Morse Ave at Arden Way, Sacramento. In addition to his work with the ELCA, he previously served as Bishop of the Metro New York Synod during the events on 9-11, 15 years ago. He has written several books including one on those experiences as well as his latest, "The Mission Table: Renewing Congregation and Community".
The event is sponsored by The Small Congregation Study Group , a consortium of 7 congregations in greater Sacramento seeking renewal in their community and congregation which has spent over a year in seeking new ways of being the church together.
Registration is necessary to attend. A $10 charge will include a box lunch.
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News from Mt. Cross Ministries
 As our summer program winds down and concludes on Aug. 5th, I would like to thank you on behalf of the Board and Staff for your continued prayers and support of Mt. Cross. Our on-site summer registration numbers were slightly up from the last few years, and our programs offered a top-notch and affordable outdoor experience for many of the children and youth from our Synod. Our Day Camp programs in your churches are also thriving and provide many congregations with a highly trained and motivated staff of future church leaders to help reach out to their communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
In order to continue providing this kind of valuable resource for the young people in our Synod, Mt. Cross does rely on your generosity through donations. Please visit mtcross.org in order to give to our camp in the redwoods which has meant so much to so many for over 68 years!Rev. James P. Lapp, Short-term Interim Director
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Leadership Program for Musicians Offering Online Courses
 The Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM), a cooperative program between the ELCA and The Episcopal Church, is pleased to announce four online courses that are being offered this coming year, including Liturgy and Music (Episcopal and Lutheran courses), Developing a Philosophy of Church Music, and Hymnody of the Christian Church.
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November Ballot Recommendations from the Lutheran Office of Public
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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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