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Pr. Dawn Hass (Interim Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Master, Sacramento) and family on the death of her husband, Gene.
The family and friends of Pr. Robert Grochau, retired, who died on Wednesday, September 1. Services are pending.
The family and friends of Pr. Roy Blumhorst, retired, who died on August 2. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2:00 pm at St Philip's, Carmel.
Shirley Ericson, spouse of Pr. Jack Ericson (retired), recovering from surgery.
Pr. Mark Dunbar, Faith, Elko, who is recovering from surgery and preparing for ongoing treatment.
Comfort for all those who mourn the death of Pr. Nicolas Brie, retired, who died on August 5. He had been in hospice care in Healdsburg.
The memorial service is Saturday, Oct. 1.
Continued comfort and healing for Revs. Caine, Theiss and Fey.
For those affected by fire and flooding. We especially remember firefighters, rescue workers, and those providing care and services.
We pray for those who have lost their homes and those who are providing rescue and relief.
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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Synod Calendar
Events and Meetings
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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
Cross and Crown Lutheran,
Rohnert Park
Advent Lutheran, Morgan Hill
September 23 - 24, 2016
Synod Council Meeting
Sacramento Office of the Bishop
October 14 - 16, 2106
SPSYC Elementary School Retreat
Mt. Cross
October 14-15, 2016
Candidacy Committee
PLTS
October 15, 2016
SPS Hunger Network Workshop
Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Davis
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 20 - 21, 2017
Candidacy Committee
PLTS
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
March 17 - 18, 2017
Candidacy Meeting
Hope, El Sobrante
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
August 25 - 26, 2017
Candidacy Committee
TBD
October 16-17, 2017
Deans & Women's Retreat
Monterey
October 18-20, 2017
Professional Leaders Conference
Monterey
CANDIDACY COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
October 14-15, 2016
January 20-21, 2017
Hope Lutheran Church, El Sobrante
March 17-18, 2017
Location TBD
August 25-26, 2017
Please take note of our office schedule:
All Synod offices are open Monday-Thursday and closed every Friday.
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September 23 - 24, 2016
St John's Lutheran Church
Sacramento
Fall 2016 Winter 2017 October 17 - 20, 2016 Pneuma 2016
November 4 - 5, 2016
Good Shepherd, Salinas
November 10, 2016 Christ Lutheran, Long Beach
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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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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Eight years and 14 days ago, I began my call to serve as Bishop's Associate for the Sierra Pacific Synod, and what a ride it has been! As is so often the case when one has been through a thoroughly life-altering period of time, my attempts to put into words all the ways this call has impacted me have each come up short. One of the first pieces of advice I learned to offer congregations whose pastors were leaving was "Say goodbye well". The best I can do is to try to take my own advice as I leave this call.
First I say goodbye to all the congregations who have honored me by allowing me into their communal lives. Similar to the way we invite pastors into our lives at pivotal moments, or transitions, or tragedies or celebrations, so too, I have been invited into conversations that were honest, vulnerable, tragic or joyous. Thank you. Second I say goodbye to gifted, committed, spirit-filled lay leaders. What an example you have provided me of what it means to live out one's vocation, sharing in the priesthood of all believers and inspiring me to keep on keeping on at the times I've most needed that encouragement. Thank you. My next goodbye is to my amazing colleagues. You have allowed me to walk with you through parts of your lives and ministries, the good ones and the really hard ones. You have taken me into your confidence, sought my guidance, requested my prayers, and engaged me in serious dialogue and occasional silliness. You have prayed for me, worried about me, blessed me, and scolded me. Thank you. Finally, I say goodbye to the most amazing partners in ministry I could ever hope to have in my life. There is no other bishop I could have done this work with (no offense to all my bishop friends out there, but it's true) and perhaps even truer is that there is no bishop who would have worked with me in the way ours was willing to. The ways we have worked together have been a gift in my life. There have been a remarkable number of iterations of our staff (one of the bigger challenges, from my perspective) and to name everyone ends up being kind of a silly litany. But I do need to say that I am extremely grateful for having had the opportunity to work with both Katy and Laurie, both of whom have reminded me regularly of what a joy it is to work with faith-filled, humorous and patient women. Thank you. I am not the person I was when I started and in most ways, that is a good thing (I think). This has been the hardest job I have ever had - the most challenging call I have ever served. I am grateful for that blessing and equally grateful for the opportunity to now see what my mischievous God has in store for me next.
As I prepare to step away I offer some wise words I once read: "Dance like no one is watching; email like it may one day be read aloud...."
Nancy Feniuk Nelson
Bishop's Associate
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Room block rates ending and registration fees going up soon!
Reformation: Past, Present and Future
2016 Rostered Women's Retreat
Dean's Gathering
October 17 - 18, 2016
2016 Professional Leaders Conference
Room block rates end September 18!
If you do not book your room by September 17, you will have to pay the regular rate.
PLC Registration fees go up on September 19!
Rostered Women's Retreat
Pr. Connie Winter-Eulberg
Our time together will be centered around worship, sharing and creativity. Worship will be partially participatory and we will be creating ritual in small groups centered on how to use different elements: water, sand, rocks, dirt, branches, flowers, etc. As we share our creativity for worship we will be adding to our resources that we can take home with us.
During one session we will look at how women's leadership and our leadership has changed the world by reflecting on women in art and photographs and look at what attracts us to what we see.
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We have a new website!
Go to www.spselca.org to see what's going on in the synod.
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ONLINE SYNOD GATHERING &
DISTRICT/CONFERENCE FALL MEETINGS
September 17
We will gather regionally, in person and via video conference at multiple sites:
Ascension in Citrus Heights
Emanuel in Modesto
Cross and Crown in Rohnert Park
Grace in Palo Alto
Our Savior's in Lafayette
Advent in Morgan Hill
The morning program is being presented by the Reformation 500 Task force and they will share some information about events planned in the synod. They will also present some 'sample' lessons. After each short presentation there will be time for the groups to discuss among themselves, or with others, their thoughts and reactions as well as work on developing their own plans for commemorating 2017.
Schedule
9:30 Registration10:00 Program, led by the Reformation 500 Task Force12:00 Lunch12:45 Conference Gatherings |
Stewardship Discipling Team September Council Devotions
Generous People Living God's Love by Keeping Connected with God Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 Connections- We have so many ways to connect with each other: emails, texting, internet, and social media, to name a few. We also have all kinds of electronic devices that are available for us to use in order to make those communications. As with everything, God is the one who has graciously blessed us with these gifts of communication. I can remember when I would be away from home and needed to make an urgent phone call. I had to go looking for phone booth. Now we have cell phones. What a blessing! Unfortunately, many of us have become so distracted by all the electronic devices that sometimes it affects our communications with each other and with God. Eighty-four percent of cell phone users claim that they could not go a single day without their device. Sixty-seven percent of cell phone owners check their phone for messages, alerts or calls, even when they don't notice their phone ringing or vibrating. This type of communication can be extreme where we feel we need to be constantly connected to our devices. It is not to say that this type of communication is all bad, but what if we paid as much attention to the communication and connection we have with God as we do in the use of all our electronic devices? How many times have we asked yourself about the quality of our communication with God? Has God been trying to communicate with us, but we just weren't paying attention? We can keep our connection with God alive and well by spending time with God's scripture and in prayer. When we do this, we become good stewards of the communication that God has blessed us with. God has given us God's Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to the path that leads us to God. 1. When do you find that your distraction most affects your connection with God? 2. As leaders of our congregations, how can we support each other to deepen our connection with God?
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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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ELCA presiding bishop issues statement addressing Dakota Access Pipeline
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has released a statement addressing the situation surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline. On Sept. 9 a federal judge ruled against the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's request to halt construction of the pipeline. Three federal agencies have issued a statement and have asked the pipeline company to pause construction.
Bishop Eaton's statement follows:
"As church together, we have been watching the situation regarding the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Several ELCA members have been present on the ground with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The ELCA American Indian Alaska Native Lutheran Association has issued a statement as have other local ELCA congregations. We have been in conversation with local synod bishops.
We recognize the complexity and the deeply personal significance of what is at stake for those living in the area. We have been looking at the situation in light of the Churchwide Assembly action to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery, and our church's long-standing concern for respecting the sovereignty of tribal nations.
We welcome the joint statement from the U.S. Departments of Justice, the Army and the Interior issued on September 9, 2016. We are particularly heartened by the tenor of the statement from the departments and we affirm its concern that it is now "incumbent on all of us to develop a path forward that serves the broadest public interest."
The statement also read, "We appreciate the District Court's opinion on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. However, important issues raised by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other tribal nations and their members regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline specifically, and pipeline-related decision-making generally, remain."
I recognize there are people of deep faith on all sides of this issue with varied perspectives and I pray that we use this time wisely. We need to be in prayer, to express solidarity and to build relationships. We also need to take seriously the concerns of the American Indian community, initiate and/or continue local efforts to strengthen and expand partnerships, and deepen cross-cultural understanding."
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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has developed supplemental resources for use within the Evangelical Lutheran Worship marriage service. The liturgical resources were developed based on action by the ELCA Church Council to implement recommendations from the "Ministry to and with Same-gender Couples and Their Families" working group.
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Triennial Gathering of the Women of the ELCA
Registration for the Tenth Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA is open. Find out more at http://www.welcatg.org/.
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News from around the Synod and Beyond
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Rostered Leaders Celebrations
Installation: Prs Erik and Amy Allen - October 30th 2016, 2:00 pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Reno ******************************************* 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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St John's Lutheran Church, Sacramento
See and hear Dr. David Cherwien internationally recognized church organist, music director, cantor, conductor, composer and teacher.
Free parking will be available both Friday evening and Saturday in a nearby parking facility.
Registration, which includes a box lunch, is $35 general, $25 for students.
This event is sponsored by the Commission on Liturgy & Music of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California and The Worship for Baptismal Living Discipling Team of the Sierra Pacific Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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Churches and Copyright: How to be a weekend publisher without going to prison
Thursday, September 15 5:00 PM
This webinar from Augsburg Fortress is back by popular demand.
Join us for this 45-minute light-hearted approach to the sometimes complicated world of copyright law. This webinar will explore what copyright is, and how it impacts churches. Copyright Specialist Michael Moore will discuss a little of the history of copyright law in the U.S. and how it affects churches as "weekend publishers" of bulletins and other materials. He will offer helpful tips on how to be compliant with copyright laws, and how Augsburg Fortress can assist you. Topics addressed will include: elements of liturgies and music that need coverage, copyright licenses, live performances, and exemptions.
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2016-2017 Clergy Clinic in Family Emotional Process
Hosted by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
Register now to pay the pre-registration price of $1,350 for tuition (Tuition covers all nine days of sessions) - Fee is higher after September 26, 2016
Relying on both 2016 and 2017 budgets to pay for Clergy Clinic?
Send in your registration form with a check with at least half of the tuition rate to save your place; pay the remainder of the balance after the New Year.
(Remember - Send in your registration before the dates when tuition goes up, and, you still pay the lower pre-registration rate)
Meeting Dates in San Diego, CA:
Dec. 5-7, 2016
March 13-15, 2017
May 22-24, 2017
Don't be fooled by the start date of December 5, 2016. Best Registration prices are this fall
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God's Work, Our Hands Day Contest Entry Information
The official "God's Work. Our Hands." Day of service was September 11, 2016. Congregations choosing to serve on another day, are also invited to submit entries to the contest.
There are two categories: narrative and video. The winning entry in each category will have the honor of having a $100.00 gift made to ELCA Good Gifts in their name.
The deadline for submitting an entry will be October 15, 2016.
To submit a video entry, please post it on YouTube and submit the entry form with the YouTube link to mic@spselca.org. Any information that will not fit on the entry form should be included in the entry email.
Everyone, including your children, your extended family members, school teachers, your grumpy neighbor, everyone, is invited to vote in this contest. The entries will be posted and open for voting on October 18, 2016. Voting will be open until December 15, 2016. We will include more directions for voting before voting begins. We will tally and announce the winning congregations in early 2017.
Thanks for entering the contest. We are looking forward to reading and watching your stories.
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Estimated Payment Reminder Due:  Thursday, September 15 Payment 3 - September 15, 2016 · Payment 4 - January 17, 2017 Most secular employees have taxes withheld from their paychecks on a bi-weekly basis so they exceed the quarterly requirement. However, if you are classified as clergy and received ministry income or other sources of income such as interest, dividends, Partnership or S Corp draws or dividends, sole proprietorship or LLC income, or a profitable rental property or secular business income, then estimated taxes may very well be required. The IRS requires that you must pay estimated taxes in 2016 if you will owe $1,000 or more by year end, and if your total taxes withheld from other sources are less than the smaller of 90% of your 2016 return, or 100 percent of your 2015 liability.If you choose to wait until 2017, to see if you owe additional taxes, you may be subject to interest and penalties.
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2016 Lutheran World Relief Ingathering in Northern California
Quilts and Kits for LWR make a lasting difference in the lives of  our neighbors around the world. In 2015 your gifts of love reached out to people all over the world. They went to people working to recover from an earthquake in Nepal. They comforted families fleeing conflict in Syria, living in refugee camps in Thailand and people around the world working to break out of the cycle of chronic poverty. THANK YOU! Your generous gifts of quilts and kits help to ensure that LWR is able to respond to the continuing and increasing needs overseas.
Items accepted: quilts, fleece tied blankets, school kits, personal care kits, fabric kits, blankets and soap
Specific assembly guidelines for the projects are available at lwr.org/kits. October 1 9 am - 1 pm St Paul's Lutheran Church, Vallejo
October 3 & 4 Prearranged Drop Off Only 858-900-5420 Do not drop off items without making arrangements in advance St James Lutheran Church, Redding
October 15 9 am - 1 pm Advent Lutheran Church, Morgan Hill
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Western States Youth Gathering
June 28 - July 2, 2017
California Lutheran University is again hosting the Western States Youth Gathering.
Information about the event itself can be found at: www.WSYG.com and you can follow and add to our hashtag: #wsyg17.
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I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me??
Hunger, the Refugee and the Immigrant
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Davis, CA
9:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by the Sierra Pacific Synod Hunger Network
Don't miss this exciting workshop! Learn how faith and justice are intertwined in a hungry world This educational workshop by the Sierra Pacific Synod Hunger Network explores both the life-saving work of the ELCA Hunger and Disaster Appeals, and how the immigration and refugee crisis impacts world and domestic hunger. Our Keynote Speaker is Johanna Olson, ELCA Global Mission Manager for Relationships for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. She will share stories of ELCA World Hunger and ELCA Disaster Response involvement in the global refugee crisis. Pastor Susan Birkelo, Director of the Community Information Center for Migrant Assistance, in Watsonville, CA will share stories of hunger and poverty experienced by immigrants right here in California! You'll also hear recent immigrants tell their own stories. Information and resources for AMMPARO will be shared. AMMPARO is a holistic, whole church commitment by the ELCA, as a church in the world, to accompany children today and in the future. Rev. Tita Valeriano will be our worship and bible study leader. Asante Fair-Trade Products will be available for early Christmas shopping!
The cost is only $10 for the day, including lunch; no charge for congregational hunger contacts, college students or seminarians. If you take AMTRAK California, rides to the workshop will be provided. Questions? Contact Edie Lott at thelotts@gmail.com or (530) 582-5362 or Pastor Elieen Smith Le Van at pastoreileen@peacelutherangv.org or 530-802-0925. Edie will be out of the U.S. and unavailable by phone in September. Send email registrations to thelotts@gmail.com.
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Over 600 adults who work with children, youth and families (CYF) in congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will gather at The Galt House Hotel and Conference Center in Louisville, Kentucky for Extravaganza 2017. The "E" is the premier training event for adults who work in faith formation.
Held January 20-24, the Extravaganza will focus on the theme "500," with an emphasis on the ongoing re-forming work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the world and the church. Dynamic spiritual renewal, transformational continuing education and supportive networking are critical elements of Extravaganza. For more information on the Extravaganza, and to register, please visit www.ext17.org. Our local contact for information about the Extravaganza or the Youth Ministry Network is Lisa Herlocker.
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Need funding for a new ministry project?
Consider applying for a grant from the St. Francis Lutheran Church Endowment Fund. St. Francis Lutheran Church of San Francisco offers grants ranging from $250 to $3000 for projects or initiatives related to justice and inclusion. For more information and instructions on how to apply please contact St. Francis Lutheran Church at stfrancis@sflcsf.org.
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Part Time Children's Choir Director
First Lutheran Church of Palo Alto is looking for a part time choir director to choose appropriate music, teach music and direct elementary (ages 5-10) and middle school (ages 11-14) children in providing music for worship.
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Registration is open for the SPSYC Elementary Retreat
 The Sierra Pacific Synod Youth Committee is excited to invite your children in grades 3-6 to the upcoming Elementary Retreat at Mt. Cross on October 14-16, 2016.
Our registration is open and ready. Registration for each person is $140.00 but that price rises to $175.00 on September 27th, so register early! Scholarships are also available. All registration and payment can be done online as a group or as an individual, or can be done by mail.
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